James "Bobby Jack" Shelton

1937 - 2025

James "Bobby Jack" Shelton

Born: September 23, 1937 | Died: July 17, 2025

James Kyle "Bobby Jack" Shelton, age 87, of Limestone, passed away July 17, 2025 at Durham-Hensley Health and Rehabilitation.

He was born in Limestone, Tennessee and was the son of the late Isaac Garfield and Carrie Wiles Shelton. He was the youngest of four children and in 1942, his family moved to Oregon to work in a logging camp. He spent much of his youth near Roseburg, Oregon before returning permanently to Tennessee and always had a lot of tall tales about his time out west. He went on to proudly serve in the Army National Guard of Oregon, the Tennessee National Guard, and the United States Navy. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and a member of the Limestone Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Upon retirement from Aerojet Ordnance Tennessee in Telford, he worked as a courier for the former Bank of Greeneville. He also volunteered at the Greeneville-Greene County Food Bank, which he enjoyed so much and where he met many friends.

Anyone that ever met Bobby Jack knew that he loved the Lord with all of his heart, soul and mind. He was a member of Fairview Cumberland Presbyterian Church and loved being at his church and spending time with his church family. However, as his health declined and his hearing and eyesight started to fade, he was devastated that he no longer could read his Bible. It was then that he started memorizing the Bible so he would be able quote scripture at any time. One of his favorite things in life was to talk about his Savior and discuss the Bible with those he met. During his illness, a special caregiver, Jacob Moody, would sit and read the Bible to him and they would discuss different verses. The last verse opened in his Bible was Isaiah 53:5 – But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years: Patsy Walton Shelton, who has been his primary caregiver; one son and daughter-in-law: Chris and Kim Dixon; one daughter: Barbara Shelton; three grandchildren: Ben Dixon, Kristen Dixon, and Ella Stakiel, who helped care for her grandfather; special nephews: Jerry and Melissa Ripley, Doug and Katy Ripley; special brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Earl and Mary Walton; two special friends, whom he thought of as daughters: Cindy Gosnell and Saprina Fender, daughter of his best friend, the late Larry Fender; and special caregiver: Roxanne Woodby.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Maude Shelton Littleton, Irene Shelton Ripley McAmis, and Lewis Edward Shelton; father-in-law and mother-in-law: J.D. and Betty Walton.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staffs of V.A. Medical Center, Gentiva Hospice, and Durham-Hensley.

The Rev. Doug Ripley and the Rev. Ronnie Duncan officiated at funeral services on July 21st. Military graveside services were held on July 22nd at Mountain Home National Cemetery. The Greene County Honor Guard conveyed military honors.

Pallbearers were Ben Dixon, Jerry Ripley, Danny Ripley, Troy Stakiel, Ron Greene, and Terry Noland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greeneville-Greene County Food Bank or to the Greeneville-Greene County Humane Society, both of which were very dear to his heart.

Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.