James L. Shelters

James Lester Shelters, 70, of White Lake passed away peacefully on August 7 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Jim leaves behind his five devoted daughters, six beloved grandchildren, and adoring siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends, who all loved him more than words can express. Jim was the smartest, funniest, and kindest person in any room, even all of our animals loved him. He was easy to laugh and could sure tell a joke, although most of them were too inappropriate for print. Jim was a remarkable dad, such that each daughter genuinely believes she is his favorite.
Jim was born on October 13, 1952, in Detroit to Thomas E. and Madonna M. Shelters. They raised him in Milford where he shared an abundance of love and countless fond memories with his six siblings, John of Holly; Charley (Michele) of Linden; Russell (Kathy) of Milford; Julie, who predeceased him; Joni (Jerome) Begoske of Fenton; and Chris (Tanis) of Hartland; as well as lifelong friends who were there until the end. Jim shared parts of his life with former spouses Joyce (née Bates), and later Christine (née Thomas), and took pride in his daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah (Jon) Kennedy of Indian River; Brianna (Ryan) of Moore, OK; Lindsey (Brian) Pever of Oklahoma City, OK; Shannon of Oklahoma City, OK; Allison (Alex) Vyn of Plymouth; and cherished his grandchildren, Eric (Jazmine), Fox, Wyatt, Lola, Avera, and Violet.
Jim was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. He had a comedian's timing and wit, an engineer's math and logic aptitude, dozens of ideas for inventions that should have been made, poetry and drawing skills worthy of the New Yorker, and he could (and very often did) recite historical facts with astounding detail. Up until cancer robbed him of it, he enjoyed his lengthy career as a Master Plumber, appreciating the mental and physical challenges, as he continued to memorize "The Code," jackhammer, dig holes, mount ladders, and work 12+ hour days. He loved the outdoors, especially the time he spent with his brothers and friends in forests, on lakes, in streams, and decades at their very own "Camp David." He made a lifetime of great memories with his grandchildren, whom he loved even more than all of his favorite daughters.
Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Visitation at 10:15am, Memorial Mass at 11:00am with lunch immediately following at St. Mary Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, 1955 E Commerce St, Milford, MI 48381. Jim once served as an altar boy at St Mary's in the original stone chapel. If you would like to contribute to a tree being planted at Kensington in Jim's name, we will collect donations at the funeral or please Venmo @Sarah-Kennedy-170.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to the truly wonderful caretakers and professionals at Mid-Michigan Home Health & Hospice and the University of Michigan Oncology Department.
While completely heartbroken, his daughters are better having known him, grateful for having had the best dad in the world, and take peace in knowing that he made a positive difference in the lives of everyone lucky enough to have met him. If you are wondering what you can do, Jim would want you to share a joke or a kind gesture with a stranger.