James Robert Shields Jr.

1948 - 2018

James Robert Shields Jr. obituary, 1948-2018, CAMANO ISLAND, WA

James Robert Shields Jr.

1948 - 2018

BORN

1948

DIED

2018

James Shields Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 5, 2018.
Jim was born on July 10, 1948 at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle WA to Jim and Beulah (Pearson) Shields and raised in Edmonds WA. Graduating from Edmonds High in 1966. Jim obtained the rank of Eagle Scout in Edmonds and was active though out his life and lived the Eagle Oath of helping others. He attended Everett Junior College where he met his wife of 48 years and went on to Western Washington University and University of Washington.

Jim and Betsy were married at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Lake Stevens, August 23, 1969 and resided on Camano Island. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Beulah Shields
He is survived by his son, James III his wife Marcelle, grandchildren, Holyanna and Jimmy, Adopted son Anthony Stephen Robbins, his sister Margaret(David) Belisle; nieces, Chloe (Shiva) Samuldera and Alaina Belisle. Also, cousins, Cherie Page, Pauline , Erik and Ashley Leland and Gwen (Todd) Hennionand many good friends including Pete Scobby.

Jim worked and retired from the City of Everett Parks and Recreation Department for 30 years retiring in 1999. He was always active in the Everett and Stanwood community events including: Forest Park Swim Center, Salty Sea Days, Langus Riverfront Park, Jetty Island and more. Also, the Stanwood Camano Fair for 15 years; Snohomish County Special Olympics; Everett Parks Foundation; Boy Scout Troop 46. After his retirement he worked at a number of different jobs at Boeing Everett doing Administrative work until a stroke in 2002 made his retirement permanent.

Jim's love of people and the community he lived in gave him the opportunity to be involved in many organizations after retirement. Jim was elected as a Commissioner to the Camano Island Fire Department in 2002 until 2008. He was also a Board Member of the Camano Center from 2011 to 2018.

Jim and Betsy loved to travel and when their son James was growing up they camped though out Washington State visiting every county. Travel included many trips to Mexico, Jamaica, Paris, six weeks of backpacking through Europe (after college), Hawaii, Alaska, East Coast, Florida, Thailand, Philippines, Bahamas, cruising through the Panama Canal and more. Usually longtime friends and family accompanied them and shared in the joy of discovery.

Jim will be remembered as a kind, caring, giving person who loved life. Jim was always willing to help people anytime he saw someone in trouble, he was there. He was an innovative thinker and his ability to relate stories was a talent few share and he was entertaining and sometimes long winded. His stories and life will live forever in our hearts and minds.

Donations may be made to Camano Community Center or Stanwood Cooperative Preschool.

Celebration services will be in August 2018 on Camano Island.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Shields's Guest Book

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July 2, 2020

Cynthia Freese posted to the memorial.

July 2, 2019

Paul Rochon posted to the memorial.

August 29, 2018

Irita Hubbard posted to the memorial.

Cynthia Freese

July 2, 2020

Thinking of you today and Betsy. It doesn't seem like 2 yrs have passed, There have been many times I've thought about things you taught So many of us about life in that time. Thank you for sharing part of you with me. Thinking of Betsy today as I know she's missing you!

Paul Rochon

July 2, 2019

A day has not passed that I have not thought about my friend and confidant. I miss our talks and doing things together. You were always there for me in good or bad a true friend. Your honesty was always refreshing to me. Once again, I will say you were a man that always gave more than you ever took. You were a person who was always put the idea of paying it forward to use.
I miss you and you always have in my thoughts. Love you Paul Rochon

Irita Hubbard

August 29, 2018

The Hubbard Herschman family sends their deepest sympathy and remembers fondly his work with the boyscouts. Jim will always bring a smile on our face and a tug on our hearts when we think of him. God bless you all. Hugs to Betsy and Jaime. Love, Irita, Charles and Greg.

Steve & Judy Dauzenroth

July 24, 2018

Betsy, We just heard about Jim's tragic accident. Loved the times we had together at Everett Junior College and Western Washington College plus the beach parties on Camano Island property. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wish you and the family the best. Steve and Judy Dauzenroth, Sailing the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji, sv Code Blue

July 24, 2018

I am truly sorry for the loss of your loved one. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your entire family and friends. Please know that the God of all comfort has loving concern for you at this time, Psalms chapter 147 verse 3. I know you will miss your precious loved one every day, may God give you strength, peace and loving memories during this difficult time. Ann Smith

July 22, 2018

As you remember your love one, as God heals your broken hearts (Psalm 147:3), may your treasured memories continue to bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.

Cyndy Freese

July 15, 2018

Betsy, I am so sorry for your lose. Jim was such an important person in my younger years at "Everyone's Alley" on Hewitt Ave. in Everett. He was such a caring, loving and understanding man. He listened to us. He talked to us and encouraged us all to stay in school, do good, dream big! I will never forget the look on his face when I painted the Elephant on the wall by the upstairs office at Everyone's Alley... He just kinda shook his head and giggled. My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family Betsy. I now have a new Angel watching over me. Cyndy Freese

Frank Willson

July 15, 2018

Betsy, Jim will be missed. He was special. I will always have fond memories of your whole family. We are out of town till September so will miss the event. Hope to see you soon. Frank Willson

Jeni Hughes

July 11, 2018

Dear Betsy, am so sorry for rhe loss of you husband. From all of the nice comments, it sounds like he was a wonderful man. Hold all of your memories close & take good care.

Paul Rochon

July 10, 2018

I was and am so honored to be able to call you my Friend, my confidant, my Brother from another mother. The kindest man I ever met. I will greatly miss you and cheerish our times together. Happy Birthday my friend. Paul

July 9, 2018

We are very sorry for the loss of your Jim. Paul@Joanne

July 8, 2018

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your entire family. Please know that the God of all comfort has loving concern for you at this time, at Psalm chapter 34 verse 18. I know you will miss your precious loved one every day, may God give you strength, peace and loving memories. Ann Smith

July 8, 2018

I first met Jim 50 years ago at Everett Community College when we both sat on the school's Coordinating Council. Jim already had an impressive command of language, and I never hear (or use) the phrase "under the auspices of" without thinking of him! We became friends quickly, and shared many great times with his future wife Betsy and good buddy John Hatzenbiler. The song "Those were the days, my friend; we thought they'd never end" was popular at the time, and when I see the photo of us dancing in the fallen autumn leaves at Legion Park, that's the song that plays in my head. I'm so glad Jim had bonus years post-stroke to further enjoy his life with Betsy, Jamey and his family, and his legion of friends. He definitely earned the right to rest in peace. With love, Linda (Foubert) Reeves

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Not sure what to say?

July 2, 2020

Cynthia Freese posted to the memorial.

July 2, 2019

Paul Rochon posted to the memorial.

August 29, 2018

Irita Hubbard posted to the memorial.