James R. "Jim" Shields

1949 - 2022

James "Jim" R. Shields, 73, former teacher and coach at Pittsfield High School, Quincy Notre Dame, Camp Point Central High School, JWCC and Western High School, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family to be with his Lord on December 14, 2022, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Jim was born April 1, 1949, in Lafayette, Ind. to James L. Shields and Alta (Ervin) Shields. In 1995, he was united in marriage to Peggy Swan McClenning of Pearl, Ill. Jim and Peggy recently celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on December 9.

Jim grew up in Hoopeston, Ill. and was a 1967 graduate of Hoopeston High School. He was so proud to be a Hoopeston High School Cornjerker. Jim was an all-round sports guy. During high school, he played baseball in the summer and loved to be around basketball in the winter. Jim went on to graduate from Western Illinois University with a B.A. in History and Physical Education.

Coach Shields began his teaching and coaching career in 1971 at Stockland Elementary School in East Central Illinois before moving to East Pike High School in Milton, where he was the Head Coach in basketball. Following Milton, he had stints at Pittsfield and Aledo before taking the position of Head Girls Basketball Coach at QND, leading the girls to an IHSA State Title in the1984 season. For this, he was named the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association "Coach of the Year" for his district. Jim also had coaching stops at Barry, Camp Point Central and was the very first Head Women's Basketball Coach during the inaugural season of the women's basketball team at John Wood Community College. He finally settled at Pittsfield High School where he served as the Athletic Director for several years and taught American History and Government until he retired in 2010. Not one to stay still, he continued coaching and substituting until 2015. Coach Shields was also an outstanding leader in baseball and softball, as well as a highly respected umpire for both sports.

For most of his life, Jim was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs. He was an even bigger fan of all his students and players. He had a story for each and every one of them and they truly brightened his day.

Most importantly, Jim cherished his personal relationship with Jesus. Jim and Peggy are members of The Crossing Pike County. He enjoyed his fellowship with his church family and served as a door greater.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Shields; children, Sarah (Mark) Sanders of Thibodaux, La., Abby Shields of St. Louis, Mo., Bridget (Mike) Lemons of Pittsfield, Ill. and Dustin (Julia) McClenning of Elsberry, Mo.; grandchildren, Avery Sanders, Alex Sanders, Elizabeth Sanders, Lucas Kite, Marrissa Lemons, Kayley (Cody) Clendenny, Mackenzie Lemons, Journey Lemons, Shiloh Lemons, Brittany McClenning, Austin McClenning, Madison McClenning, Lyndle McClenning and Blayney (Jake) Stephen; one brother, Don (Dorothy) Shields, Phoenix, Ariz.; nieces, Debra (Alec) Niziolek and Rachel (George) Toelke; and nephews, James Shields and Jim Butler. He is also survived by his lifelong friend and fellow Cornjerker, Betty Shaffer of Hoopeston, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Alta Shields; and his daughter, Molly Kite.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the Pike County Crossing with interment to follow at Greenpond Cemetery near Pearl. Memorials are suggested to be made to the family. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.