Deacon James Otis Shumpert

On the morning of November 15, 2025, at approximately 10:41 a.m., Deacon James Otis Shumpert peacefully entered eternal rest at his home in Romeo, Michigan, surrounded by the love of his family. Known as a man of great strength, quiet authority, honest words, and a deep commitment to family and faith, James lived a life grounded in purpose and unwavering discipline.
James was born on March 24, 1935, in Amory, Mississippi, to the late Willie Bob Shumpert and Leona Ann Shumpert. At a young age, he professed Christ at St. James AME Church in Amory, beginning a lifelong journey of faith that shaped every chapter of his life.
He attended Monroe County Training School / West Amory High School, where he played football and proudly contributed to the 1951 Little Six Football Championship Team-the last team from the school to win the championship. In recognition of his athletic achievements, leadership, and positive impact on his community, James was later inducted into the 2020 MCTS/WAHS Hall of Fame.
In 1955, James moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he worked his first job as a cook at the Panther Hotel. Gifted in the kitchen, he cooked with skill and love, creating meals that became unforgettable for all who knew him. In 1958, he settled permanently in Romeo, Michigan, where he built a life filled with faith, family, work, and community service.
James spent many dedicated years at General Motors as a Lubrication Technician, earning respect for his reliability, work ethic, and craftsmanship.
A devoted servant of the Lord, James was ordained as a Deacon on April 5, 1970, at Second Baptist Church in Romeo, under Rev. A. Hawkins and Rev. Eugene Jones. In 2004, he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for his faithful and dedicated service to Second Baptist Church. His ministry was rooted in humility, consistency, and love for God's people.
James enjoyed the peaceful joys that brought him rest and satisfaction. He loved fishing, often finding quiet strength by the water. He was an avid gardener, treating his lawn as his personal canvas-keeping it immaculate and proudly maintaining the greenest yard on the block. He was also known for his legendary pound cakes, which he baked with unmatched skill and love.
He quietly enjoyed making his own wine, a craft he perfected but kept mostly private. James was also the heart behind several beloved community traditions: he hosted an annual Labor Day picnic, an annual fish fry, and an annual barbecue, drawing hundreds of friends, neighbors, and loved ones year after year. His gatherings were known for good food, good music, and unforgettable fellowship.
In 1984, James married Sarah Shell, and the two remained lovingly united until his passing. Through this union, he gained four stepchildren, whom he embraced wholeheartedly as his own:
• Rodney Brown
• Nugene (Shenita) Brown
• Michelle Brown
• Kristina Bailey
James's service extended beyond his home and church and was recognized on a national level. On May 10, 2017, at the request of the Honorable Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator, a United States flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Deacon James O. Shumpert for his outstanding community service in Romeo, Michigan.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Delores Shumpert, the mother of four of his children; his beloved son Anthony "Rudy" Shumpert; one great-granddaughter; and his seven siblings:
Ozielee Hackens, Azaline Nails, Dezie Stafford, Odis Shumpert, Mellie Davis, Agather Shumpert, and Maria Kirk.
He leaves to cherish his memory his Wife Sarah Shumpert, children:
• James Garth (his oldest son)
• Gwendolyn (Lawrence) Daniel
• Dorla Shumpert
• Sharilyn (Kenneth) Stuart
He also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Jackie Shell and Josephine Woods, and one brother-in-law, Larry Shell, who loved him dearly.
James is also survived by his stepchildren-Rodney Brown, Nugene (Shenita)Brown, Michelle Brown, and Kristina Bailey-along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, one godson DeAndre Woods Johnson, his church family, Hall of Fame teammates, neighbors, and countless friends touched by his life.
Deacon James Otis Shumpert lived a life of service, integrity, devotion, and love. From the football fields of Amory to the assembly lines of General Motors; from the deacon's bench to hosting Romeo's biggest Labor Day traditions; from his famous pound cakes to the greenest yard in the neighborhood-he gave everything he had, and he gave it well.
Though he has finished his earthly journey, his strength, faith, and legacy of love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
"Well done, thy good and faithful servant."
Rest in eternal peace.