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James Shapter Obituary
BLUFFTON -- James Robert Shapter, age 80, went to Heaven at 12:40pm on January 26,2026, at home with his loved ones. He was born April 22, 1945, in Cleveland, OH to Alan Richard "Jimmy" and Barbara Jane Hamilton-Shapter.
He is survived by his mother who lived with him, his wife Betty Moore-Cognion Shapter, his son John (LeAnn) Shapter, his grandson Ryan James Shapter, stepdaughter Susan Beth Cognion of Chesapeake, VA., brothers-in-law Roger A. Moore of Sun City, AZ., David J. (Angela) Moore of Beachgrove, TN., & sister-in-law Janet L. Spencer of Clarksville, TN.
Jim had attended 9 different schools before he came to Shawnee High School and graduated in 1963. While in school, he broke the Shawnee running record in 1962/1963 and was the Champion, running in the Western Buckeye League in 1961-62-63. After high school, he attended numerous colleges and training institutions including Ohio Northern University and Ohio University as he prepared for his future careers.
His first job required him to wear black pants, a white shirt, and a tie as a grocery bagger for .87 cents per hour!!! His employers have included BLH, Brinks, X-Cello, Davidson Enamel, and as an EMTA and fireman for Elida Firefighters before starting at Lima Corrections in Lima in June of 1971. He was a Lieutenant for many years, and a Captain for 12 years prior to his retirement in 2003.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, his wife Carol Ann Crail-Shapter to whom he was marred for 53 years, and his sister, Diana Shapter-Taylor.
Jim was an avid camper, having traveled to 49 states, and was a member of the Bluelick Bible Church, where donations may be made in his memory.
Services will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at noon at Bluelick Bible Church, 1138 W. Bluelick Road, Lima, OH 45801. Pastors Jason Knight and James Neighbors to officiate. Visitation will take place on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the church. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Bluffton.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Shapter
Tom Shapter
February 2, 2026
I'll never forget the great times we had as cousins gathering at Grandma's house for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners and playing Monopoly on the living room floor. Of course, Jimmy was always the big winner! I remember he was great at working on cars and had one with special "cut-outs" in the exhaust pipes so he could make it sound louder without the muffler when the cops weren't around. And there was his "Baccaruda" as he called it in the 60s. I never heard him say a harsh word and he was always friendly to everyone. Welcome home, Jim. We'll see you when we get there.
Glenn Scheufler
January 31, 2026
Graduated with Jim. Always enjoyed talking with him because he was a down to earth guy. Prayers
Mike Pierce
January 30, 2026
I worked with Jim at Lima State Hospital/ Oakwood. We were both Lieutenants then. A very honest and stand up guy. Respected by everyone.
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Patsy Spring
January 30, 2026
My condolences to Jim´s family and friends. I met him at the Dr. Office where Carol was being treated. I have a beautiful OSU quilt Carol and her quilting group made. May your memories be a blessing and comfort to all of you.
Mary Bice
January 30, 2026
Betty i am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. You will be in my prayers.
Joy Walker
January 29, 2026
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We love you! Rob& Joy Walker
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Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Bluffton239 S Main St, Bluffton, OH 45817
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