Jonathan Edward Shell

Jonathan Edward Shell, 76, a resident of Canton, Ms., went home to his LORD on July 4, 2024, after suffering a cardiac event. He was born in Baton Rouge, La. to James Dugan Shell and Lorraine Schwem Shell and was a long time resident of Jackson, Ms. He was a proud member of the Murrah Mustangs Class of '66, and the friendships he forged there brought him joy for the rest of his life. He married Jeanee Felder and they had two children they adored. As a young married man with family, Jon worked hard and obtained his BS degree in chemistry at Mississippi College. His career was spent at the Mississippi Crime Laboratory and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. In the words of a co-worker, "He was respected for his wisdom, knowledge and technical skill, but perhaps even more for his kindness, friendship and support especially in difficult times."
Jon was always a student and an avid reader collecting books on the classics, faith, science, history, politics, hunting, bow-making, carpentry and welding just to name a few. He was a real DIY guy way before it trended.
He never really liked to travel, unless it was to an SEC football game, preferring instead the comforts of home and his own remote. But he happily spent hours on end in the heat, rain or cold sleet to watch his grandchildren play ball.
He had a very generous heart and loved helping others. He was eternally secure and content with what he had, only wanting to purchase something he could leave for his family. He liked cooking for others and is remembered for his delicious signature dishes of red beans and rice, lemon cheesecakes, oatmeal cookies and Italian cream cakes.
Jon was an active member of First Baptist Madison serving as a deacon and volunteer on the Home Bound Ministry Team. He took joy in supporting foreign, state and local mission projects, and his prayers were always for the needs of others. His faith was secure in Jesus Christ and in his earthly walk he always tried to follow in His footsteps.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Hugh and Billie Felder; his sister, Melanie Shell Byargeon; his sister-in-law, Connie Felder Waller; his nephew, Drew Harrington; and his niece, Andrea Tynes.
He is survived by his wife of
"fifty-bunches of years," Jeanee; his daughter, Holly Shell Chenette (Mark); his son, Tony Shell (Cindy Pittman Shell); grandson, Tyler Shell; granddaughters Sydney Shell McGraw (Connor), McKenna Chenette, and Belle Chenette; and his great-granddaughter, Mae Ellis McGraw. He is also survived by his brother, Pat Shell (Charleen) and family; sisters-in-law Fran Tynes (Roy), Lynn Harrington (Mac) and family; and brother-in-law Andy Byargeon and family; as well as his beloved nieces, Kelly Waller Jacobsen and family, and Korbi Waller McQueary and family.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Madison, 2100 Main Street, Madison, Ms. 39110 on Friday, July 12, 2024; visitation will be at 10:00 AM, and the service at 11:00 AM.
As Christians we can grieve with hope by faith in our risen Savior.
I Thessalonians 4:13.