James Irwin Shepard

James Irwin Shepard, 82, passed away on March 3, 2025. Jim was born on May 17, 1942 in Hampton, Iowa to Virgil and Muriel Shepard. Jim grew up in Allison, Iowa alongside his older brother Gene. He enjoyed a great childhood having many adventures alongside his brother and cousins in Allison. Jim graduated from Allison-Bristow High School in 1960, the University of Iowa in 1964, and University of Denver College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1968. It was in Denver that he was set up on a blind date with Jean Saari. They married on April 26, 1969. In 1971, Jim, Jean and newborn daughter, Jennifer, moved back to Allison, Iowa where Jim joined his father and brother at Shepard and Shepard Law firm. In 1973, they welcomed a second daughter, Julie. Jim wanted to further his education and specialize in Bankruptcy Taxation Law. He returned to The University of Denver in 1981 and received his LLM (Master in Law) in 1982. After graduating he returned to Allison, Iowa where Jim continued working at the family law firm. In the fall of 1986, Jim took a position in Omaha, Nebraska where he worked for Dixon, Dixon and Minahan for one year before moving cross country to Fresno, California. He worked for Stoughton Davidson Accountancy Corporation as a taxation consultant. In the years to come he used his expertise in many ways. He was nominated by Senator Grassley (R) IA to be a member of the National Bankruptcy Review Commission. There he worked with the other members to rewrite the national bankruptcy tax laws. He taught at McGeorge School of Law and San Joaquin Law School. He was also an adjunct faculty member at Fresno City College. He traveled the US while giving seminars on bankruptcy tax for Bank of America and many other organizations. One of his proudest accomplishments was publishing a book on bankruptcy taxation titled, The Bankruptcy Tax Manual.
Jim enjoyed many family fishing trips to Canada with his dad and brother. He also went on numerous canoe and fishing trips with brother-in-law Jack and wife Peggy. One of his other loves in life was airplanes. He obtained his pilots license and co-owned a plane. He took the family on many trips in his airplane. While living in Allison, Jim volunteered as an Emergency Medical Technician with the local ambulance service. He helped many people in emergency situations. Jim loved animals and always owned dogs. His favorite being Jake. He volunteered at Animal Rescue Fresno in his retirement. Lastly, Jim was known for his love of beer. He drank two beers every evening, as "prescribed" by his doctor.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Eugene Shepard and Muriel Genevieve Shepard. Jim leaves behind numerous family members and friends. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Shepard. Daughter Julie Pickett and son-in-law Joe Pickett, beloved granddaughters Jessica Pickett and Jordan Pickett, daughter Jennifer Shepard, brother Gene Shepard, sister-in-law Judy Shepard and brother in-law Jack Saari. Nephews Scott (Rene) Shepard, Mark (Christine) Shepard, Peter (Annette) Saari and Chris Saari.
A funeral service will be held at Farewell Funeral Service, 660 W. Locust on Friday, March 14th at 11am.