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James Shaw Obituary
We are crushed with grief at the sudden death of our beloved son, James Jeremiah Shaw on July 15, 2020 at his home in Abilene, TX.
Born June 3, 1978 in Abilene, TX, James was raised in Harding, PA. He was a graduate of Wyoming Area High School, class of 1996. During those teen years the Alcohol Abuse that would follow him through life began.
Upon graduation he returned to Abilene, TX where he continued his education at Abilene Christian University and made Abilene, TX his home. He maintained his strong work ethic during the long struggle from alcohol abuse to alcoholism. He purchased and developed several rental properties and achieved a career as Manager of a Walmart Vision Center.
He was a thoughtful host and accompanied his family on vacations in Texas and the south west. He absorbed himself in books and movies and relished "elucidating" plot lines and character motivations in spirited discussions. He was a loving and caring son. He is remembered for his joyous laughter and wit. What a sweet boy. Now we suffer the agonizing cost of his addiction, the choice to end his own life. How we miss him, and will forever.
James was so much more than his addiction to alcohol. Addiction tell a person otherwise; it says, "You can't live without me." Addiction is a liar. Honor our son's memory, recognize the lie and help break the cycle of addiction. "when you quit drinking you stop waiting." Caroline Knapp, Drinking: A Love Story
James is survived by his father Robert and his mother Karen; older brother Matthew and his wife Jessica, a niece and nephew; Aunt and Uncle Ruth and her husband Mark. James is preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
A memorial service will be held at the Harding Church of Christ, Harding, PA at 11 AM on Thursday July 30, 2020 with arrangements by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home 509 Wyoming Avenue West Pittston, Pa
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Shaw
Sponsored by Howell-Lussi Funeral Home.
Amber Ball
June 18, 2021
My mother went to Walmart today and specifically asked for your son James. When she was told he passed she was beside herself. She told me how much she appreciated James, his service and attentiveness to her needs. My mother spoke of his patience, care and thoroughness. James really had an impact on her and she felt that he was extremely genuine and valued his positivity. Sometimes you find that one in 1 million person who is willing to actually take time and help someone who needs it and James was that person for her. You obviously raised a remarkable sun and I hate to hear that someone like him struggled so much. Please know that he had an impact on many. God bless you and your family. May you cherish all the precious memories.
Carmen Trombley
October 7, 2020
I am very sorry to hear about James when I went to get my glasses adjusted and asked where he was. James helped me get a couple pairs of glasses over the past 2 years, and adjusted them and cleaned them several times. He was the best one there and always did a great job. My boyfriend and I enjoyed talking with him, he was such a nice person.
Cathie Sturm
August 1, 2020
James helped me pick out my glasses. I wound up working next to the optical center and started to know him and his great sense of humor. He was the first person in Abilene that i found to ‘get’ Monty Python references. I wish I had had more time to know him. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. Cherish the positive memories.
Marianna Konradi
August 1, 2020
James is greatly missed! I trusted him deeply. He supported me in my optometry practice next to his optical at Walmart. His advice was gentle and incredibly thorough. He was generous with his time. I extend my deep condolences to his family.
Maryann Tran
August 1, 2020
Karen and family, am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine your pain and sorrow. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Mooney
July 31, 2020
Thank you for your honest and heartfelt obituary. My sincere sympathies on your loss.
Jamie Baird
July 28, 2020
I met James through Walmart Vision Center. He was the smartest person with an amazing wit, and the desire to always help others. He always had a smile for me every time I saw him. He will be missed by myself and his entire Walmart Market 74 team.
Carrie
July 28, 2020
my heart hurts for James. When I first met James we had a hilarious friendship. We hung out outside of a work a few times and he always made me laugh. He was always encouraging me to be positive and I really wish I could have been there to encourage him. Prayers for his peace.
Debbie Nelson (Carpenter)
July 27, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I knew James in college and he was always the nicest and kindest person. I am lucky to have had him as a friend.
Rosemary LaFratte
July 26, 2020
All my prayers and sympathy are with you on the loss of your son.
Rosemary LaFratte
Helen Felker
July 26, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
MARGARET BOWEN
July 26, 2020
To the Shaw family.
Your heartache is great and for this I am sorry.
What a loving tribute to James and my thank you for sharing your story. I also have experienced pain, as you have, but my story
does not have not have a sad ending and for this, I am thankful. Hold the beautiful memories close to your heart.
Angela Lewis
July 26, 2020
I am sooooo sorry for y'all. What a loss for you and ak of us who knew him at the vision center. He was always so kind when I ordered glasses or needed my glasses adjusted. What a lovely tribute you composed and encouraged others who may be struggling. May the Lord bless you.
Bill Janczewski
July 26, 2020
So very sorry for your loss Bob and Karen
Stefanie Swinney
July 26, 2020
I will miss seeing you everyday. Kind soul.
Penny Witkowski
July 26, 2020
This is so sad to hear. Many Thoughts and Prayers to y’all as you go through this
Amye Butler
July 25, 2020
James was the first person my son and I met at walmart vision center. My son was 11 months old James helped him get comfortable in his new glasses. That was almost 20 years ago and my son and I have gone to him ever since. We will miss him very much.
I will pray fervently for you.
Arlene Williams
July 25, 2020
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved son!
July 25, 2020
Sorry for your loss.
July 25, 2020
May your memories of your son aid you through this grief. You our in our prayers.
With sympathy,
Barbara & Warren Ries
July 25, 2020
Bob and Karen I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers go out to the both of you.
Carolyn Smith
Shilo Thompson
July 25, 2020
James so so kind. When we were at ACU, he became a friend. Later, he was in the first class I ever taught. He was truly puzzled by our disregard for coffee. We bonded over our live for Frank Sinatra. He would come over to play games with my husband. When I was in labor with our first child he came to the hospital and visited sometime during the 36 hours and encouraged Landon. He was as a frequent visitor when we lived in Abilene. When we moved back to the area we were unable to get together due to distance but he still took care of us for glasses and if we were ever near we would stop by to get a hug. He had such a sweet heart and light to him. We are grateful to have had him in our lives. He will be missed.
Flávia Gorayb
July 24, 2020
Rest in peace.
Nancy Smith
July 24, 2020
Bob and Karen, You are in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time.
Nicole Cowie
July 23, 2020
May you find peace. I loved the times we worked together. You’ll be forever missed.
Eliza Jones
July 23, 2020
James you are Dearly miss my friend rest in Peace
July 22, 2020
James was a wonderful man that will be very missed. Rest easy my friend.
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