James Shimmel Obituary
James M. Shimmel Sr., 69, of West Decatur, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.
Jim was born December 20, 1955, in West Decatur, the son of the late Robert and Iva (Mease) Shimmel.
Jim was employed as a truck driver, having worked for Leaseway, BOC Gases, Kephart, and Dart. Jim loved to smoke meats and feed people, making sure everyone always had enough to eat. He also enjoyed his bulldogs over the years. Jim loved having family and friends come to visit him and most of all, Jim loved his family.
Jim is survived by his wife Kathey (Lyons) Shimmel, whom he married on March 26, 1999; two children, Jamie Serena and husband Paul of Shawville and James Shimmel Jr. and wife Jessica of Clearfield; seven grandchildren, Devon and wife Mackenzie, Elizabeth and husband Merritt, Caitlyn, Meghan, Olivia, Makenzie, and Shannon; two great grandchildren, James and Gwendolyn; two brothers, Elwood Clair Shimmel of Palmerton, and Walter Roy Shimmel Sr. of West Decatur; a sister, Joyce Elaine Minerich of Gibsonia; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Brooke; and two brothers, Emery L. Mease and Robert Leon Shimmel.
A funeral service will be held at the Beardsley Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 11 AM - 2 PM. In lieu of flowers,
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Boggs Township Park, Boggs Township, 150 Blue Ball Road, W. Decatur, PA 16878.
To sign the online guestbook, visit beardsleyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
113 North Third Street, Clearfield, PA 16830
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for James Shimmel
Tell your own story about James
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in James Shimmel's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Shimmel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
