James Ferris Shaheen

James Ferris Shaheen

Born: January 31, 1952

Died: February 4, 2021

DADE CITY, Fla. – James "Jim" Ferris Shaheen, 69, of Dade City, Florida, formerly of Bettendorf, Iowa for 26 years, passed away on February 4, 2021.

He was born on Jan. 31, 1952, in Moline, to Ferris and Phyllis (Spellman) Shaheen.

Jim grew up in Erie and attended Erie High School (Class of '70) before going on to attend Illinois State University to study music and theater. He was an avid musician who played and sang lead in many local bands, at a number of restaurant venues and weddings, as well as wrote songs and lyrics.

In 1991, he graduated from Hamilton Technical College with an associate's degree in electronic technology. Jim earned a bachelor's degree in management information systems and services from Western Illinois University in 2009.

In his early years, Jim worked in his family's businesses, Shaheen Brothers Royal Blue grocery store, and The Open Hearth restaurant, both in Erie. He worked for Elko Industries in Rockford, and then later at Premier Computer Services in Moline.

In 2019, Jim retired from Vista Technical Services, LLC at the Rock Island Arsenal where he worked as a LAN Administrator. He was a member of the Erie Christian Church. Jim enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, Scarlett, kayaking, fishing, traveling across the country in his RV, and meeting new people.

He is survived by Bill Dallas, Zach Dallas, and Ashley Smith; his brother, Robin Shaheen of Erie, sister, Karen (Jim) Steele of Tonica, and brother, Mark (Lesli) Shaheen of Erie; nephews and nieces, Jimmy Steele, Jeff Steele, Jennifer (Roger) Konczak, Megan Mattingly, Monica (Charlie) Kyarsgaard, Alexis Shaheen, and Kadin Shaheen; three grandnephews; and two grandnieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dale.

Memorial services are pending.