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James Joseph Shackel

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James Shackel Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 1, 2023.

James Joseph Shackel, age 58, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, passed away after his battle with colon cancer at his home on January 19, 2023. James was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan, the son of Donald Joseph Shackel and Margaret Ann (Dakoske) Shackel. James was married to his wife Jean for over 30 years and together they raised their two beautiful daughters, Sydney and Chelsea.

James (known as Jimmy or Shack to most who knew him) grew up in Michigan before moving to Arlington Texas with his parents. After high school James received his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Texas Arlington while also serving in ROTC. James proudly went on to serve in the United States Air Force and was assigned to Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Nebraska flying both the KC-135 and RC-135. While on active duty, James earned his Master's Degree in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University. James ended his active duty commitment as an instructor pilot, where he found his greatest satisfaction in flying for the Air Force. To this day, so many people still talk about what a great instructor and mentor he was to them. In 1999, James joined the Arizona Air National Guard in Phoenix, again flying the KC-135. Concurrent with the AZANG, James was hired by Southwest Airlines as a pilot in March 2000, working both flying jobs for the next 8 years, until retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2008 from the Guard. James spent 15 years as a captain at Southwest Airlines, totaling 22 years of LUV service.

James was an avid computer nerd on his days off from the airline. He would buy vintage computers to clean, tinker and upgrade. Not only was he our family's tech support, but he expanded his hobby to anyone that would ask. He had such a giving heart and always wanted the best for everyone, helping anyone in need. His wit and sense of humor was on an expert's level, telling jokes and having fun wherever he was. His other hobbies included traveling, exploring new places, photography, running and fitness.

Before his passing, we had such meaningful conversations. He wanted his friends and family to know that he had a great life.

There will be a graveside service at the VA Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona and also a Life Celebration Ceremony for James sometime in the coming months. Those arrangements will be announced when finalized by the family.

James is survived by his wife Jean Shackel; daughters Sydney and Chelsea Shackel; sisters Susan King, Barbara Shackel, Kathy Teichner and husband Jeff, Melanie Lashley and husband Craig; and loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald Gerard Shackel.

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Recent Activity

January 29, 2024

Randall Kindig posted to the memorial.

October 18, 2023

Pete Ries posted to the memorial.

October 2, 2023

Scott G posted to the memorial.

33 Entries

Randall Kindig

January 29, 2024

Here it is, a year later. It doesn't seem like my friend James has been gone that long. I continue to think of him often.
In the past year, I was able to visit Jean at the home she shared with James and very much enjoyed her hospitality. I did my best to help her deal with James' obsession with a hobby we shared: vintage computing. I really appreciate the computers and other items that James saw fit to leave me and have found homes for some of them, while increasing my collection with others.
James, my friend, thanks for everything and continue to rest in peace!

Pete Ries

October 18, 2023

James was a true professional, great pilot, and all around nice guy. I´ll miss our conversations. I still use some of the tricks he taught me for maximizing my schedule and picking up extra flying. Fair winds and following seas from your Navy buddy. We will all miss you.

Scott G

October 2, 2023

Shack, Shack Daddy, James, or any myriad of nicknames....

One of a kind.

I knew James when we flew together as pilots in the Arizona Air National Guard.

I remember numerous trips around the world with James during his service.

On one of the trips in the unit then he was very new to the unit I was just getting to know James. He was always wry with a joke and had a great sense of humor. On this trip to Patrick AFB in Florida our Navigator (yes, we were that old that our crews had navigators!)....anyway our Nav was our Base Commander Bill.
James was new to the unit but continued to razz Bill with Nav jokes the whole trip, which normally wouldn't be great for your career.....But James could get away with it! Any one else would have been courtmartialed....:-)

We did so many trips around the world...to France I remember he took us to see one of his relatives around the Aix In Provence area. Always up for a trip or adventure, welcoming and inclusive.....A great pilot, leader, and instructor.

James always had a smile and a positive attitude. You always felt better after spending time with him.

A he loved his family, his friends and his crew members.

He'll be missed every day. RIP.

Scotty G

James Ludwig

September 23, 2023

My deepest condolences to the Shackel family, I´m truly sorry for your loss. I met and worked with Jim in 1987 at LTV in Grand Prairie (just before he went into the Air Force). It was an honor to know Jim. Although I only knew Jim for a short time, I remember his sense of humor, funny laugh, and him telling me he was going to be an Air Force pilot. I´m so glad he accomplished his dream. RIP Jim.
Sincerely, James Ludwig

Going through some old boxes, I found this post card he sent me from California.

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Mike Bateman

May 30, 2023

Jean, Shack and I were Capt. Upgrade partners at SWA. He & I just clicked. We over prepared and the outcome was excellent. James was born to fly and always showed upbeat professionalism along with his great love for your family. I know I´ll see him again when my time comes. God Bless! Mike Bateman

Curt & Terry Stults

March 14, 2023

So sad to hear of Shack's passing. What a wonderful friend he was. He did help us with computers! What a privilege it was to serve along side him in the AF and at SWA. Our heartfelt sympathies to Jean and the girls.

Steve and Lynette McCallister

March 4, 2023

In LUVing memory. Privileged to have flown with James over the years at SWA.

Russell and Carol Welsch

Planted Trees

Ed Wagner

February 23, 2023

I´ve been thinking about what to post here for a while now. I´m a little late because really, there just aren´t any words in the English language that can describe what a kind, generous, funny and great man Jimmy was. While we didn´t get to see each other as often as we would have liked, he will always be a brother to me. I´ve known the Shackel family for many years as Donny was one of my best friends. They became a second family to me and will always be. Sending my love and condolences to Jean, their two daughters, Sue, Barbara and Kathy.

Barbara Shackel

February 11, 2023

I was 9 years old when you came into my life.
You were a great brother, and I always felt safe knowing you were by my side. I watched you help and change others for the better.
What do we do now?
Rest In Peace my favorite always
I will never forget
XO

William Velharticky

February 11, 2023

I want to thank James for introducing me to to the TI-99 community at Kfest 2019, and just let everyone know that he was truly a stellar dude.

Randall Kindig

February 10, 2023

James was a good friend thru the vintage computer community. I had several fun conversations with him and loved his singular sense of humor. I just saw him at the Tandy Assembly show in Ohio in October. I am truly going to miss James and would love it if you would let me know when the life celebration happens. Even though I'm in Indiana, if there's any way I can participate I will try.

Susan (Shackel) King

February 7, 2023

You lived your life making others feel good and brought out their best. You knew how to reach your goals and never stopped learning and teaching. I am so fortunate you were in my life and I will never stop loving you.

Mike lunsford

February 6, 2023

Air shack, we've all lost a brother in you.

Sara Davis

February 5, 2023

My heart & prayers go out to you and the girls. He was an awesome Dad, husband and neighbor. God bless you.

Gregory McGill

February 5, 2023

we will miss you James

Stefan "SteveB" Bauch, Germany

February 5, 2023

I never met James. We haven't even talked once. We just wrote online, when he helped me with my retro-computing project in 2020.

He wasn't just a pilot, he was a true captain. Not only on his plane. I hoped that we would meet someday on one of my trips to the U.S.

I wish him all the best on his last flight to eternity and may the loving memory of him give strength to his family.

AWR2

February 5, 2023

I knew James from AtariAge, an online retro-enthusiast community. Always a pleasant gentleman to talk to. Best wishes to his family. He was taken from us all far too young.

Jim Fetzner

February 4, 2023

When I first heard my friend was ill I was really down for a while. I thought about it though and realized that in his life he had given that greatest of gifts: true friendship. That is how I will always remember my good friend in the TI99 computer hobbyist space. A little later, I composed a short poem for him in a style I originated when I was in high school.

Airshack
--------
Airshack, Airshack,
Programmed a stack,
Of really kewl TI hacks.
I truly wish we had him back.

I am proud to have had this Air Force vet as my friend--and I truly wish we had him back.

Kim and Mark Rinke

Planted Trees

Bernie ulmer

February 2, 2023

I was shocked to hear this news. Shack and I were sim partners at higher power aviation in Nov 1999. We both went on to SWA. He was a great person to be around. He always made me smile and feel better just being around him. I will miss you Shack!! I am praying for the family as my heart aches. May God bless the family. Sincerely, Bernie U.

Barbara Shackel

Planted Trees

Kenneth Ramage

February 1, 2023

Flew with him often in Guard. RIP. Ken Ramage

Shirley Lang

February 1, 2023

Oh my gosh, what a wonderful life he had with his beautiful wife and daughters. I remember when Jean met James, she was so happy and their
beautiful wedding at Offut in Omaha.
My heart goes out to her and her family. Love you Jean

Mike Carroll

February 1, 2023

The big brother I never had, I gonna miss you tons buddy. Nobody knew how to make entrance to a gathering like you. Jimmy would make a splash and bring the energy. I´ll never forget him showing up at my parents in Gladwin on thanksgiving years back, then again in the summer for a party, then again for my birthday. You always kept that feeling that you could make the party better. I´ll always remember you having myself out to a redwings game in phoenix with a friend of yours who hated the wings in a suite. What a great night. We always chatted, football, family and fun times. I´m Gonna miss you brother!!!

Kevan

February 1, 2023

James was one of the few people in my life that I greatly admired and respected. He was a class act all the way. My deepest condolences to his wife Jean and his two daughters. You will be missed buddy.

Dingee Fam

February 1, 2023

Dingee Fam

February 1, 2023

Dingee Fam

February 1, 2023

These are two of my favorite memories. For my 21st bday Jean and James met us in Vegas to show us around for a totally fun filled night. And the other, to our surprise James was the pilot on one of our flights to NE. It was by far the best plane flight ive ever been on. Love the Shackel family so much and I know James is watching over them and making sure they are still having fun filled nights and great flights. <3

John Carter

February 1, 2023

James was a great friend and one of the best captains I flew with. He always kept me laughing and was quick to answer the phone if I needed someone to talk to. He will be greatly missed.

Joey "Chili" Burns

February 1, 2023

Shack, I will always remember you as a fantastic guy, and a big-time prankster in a special way. God bless your soul and bless your family. Your friend. Joey "Chili" Burns

Jeff and Kathleen Teichner

Planted Trees

Mary L. Reha

February 1, 2023

My entire family will miss James, he has been a big part of our lives for many years, my favorite memory is our football pranks that when back and forth for years. I truly enjoyed filling his entire yard with Philadelphia Eagles Fans signs!

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