James Melvin Shank

"The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' "
Matthew 25:21
James Melvin Shank, 86, passed lovingly into the arms of his savior on January 1, 2026. Born February 25, 1939, to James Arthur and Catherine Virginia Shank. Jim was a man of great faith and abundant love. He lived life to its fullest and touched the lives of countless people.
Jim had many activities that he enjoyed. He traveled all over the world and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved gardening and took great pride in the beauty that he created around his home. Jim enjoyed attending the Fort Hill Class of 1957 reunions. Sports and family were also important to him, and he coached and officiated many youth sports. Jim was an excellent shot and very proficient at competing in shotgun matches.
From a young age, Jim had a profound respect for his country. When he was 17, he enlisted in the U.S Army and served many years. He combined his love for history with his military experience and spent many years performing in Civil War reenactments. He served as Quartermaster with the 35th Virginia Calvary and then the Jackson Corps.
Jim's faith was very important to him. He loved to read and study the Bible, and it was the foundation on which he built his life. Jim not only read and knew the Word, he lived it. He would help anyone in any way that he could. He was an active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church and rarely missed a service.
Jim was preceded in death by his siblings Delores Cochron and Frederick Shank, the mother of his children Patricia A. Shank, and two sons Michael Steven Shank and James Matthew Shank.
He is lovingly remembered by his faithful and loving wife Judy Shank; his daughters Sandra Kay Shank (Cumberland, MD) and Catherine Elizabeth Ann Hopper and her husband Leo (Detroit, MI); his inherited daughter Barbara Ann Yoder and her husband Eric Delmas Yoder (Glenville, WV); and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church on Friday, January 9th at 11:00 AM. Pastor David Hattenfield will be officiating the service.
Jim was deeply loved, will be greatly missed, and will be forever remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.