James Ward Sheddrick

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

James Ward Sheddrick, 84, of Nevada, formerly of Rich Hill, passed away Sunday evening, Sept. 27, 2009, at his home in Nevada, with his family at his bedside.

Jim was born on Sept. 16, 1925, in the Bethel Community of Northern Vernon County, the son of Louis V. Myron and Myrtle (Miller) Sheddrick. He was the youngest of four children. His siblings were Donald, Myron, and Elizabeth (Betty). Jim attended Metz and Rich Hill schools. Upon graduation from Rich Hill High School in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, and served as a gunner on a B-29 combat crew flying off Tinian Island in the Pacific to Japan.

After World War II, he married Stella Pauline Bartz, of Rich Hill. He re-enlisted in the USAF until retirement in 1966. During their military career, Jim and Pauline had three children: Phillip W. Valerie J., and James David. He pursued a second career with the United States Treasury Department, customs service and retired again as a senior supervisor in 1988.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Donald; sister Betty; and wife Pauline. In 2000 he was united in marriage to Gay Eason Hough. He is survived by his wife, Gay, of the home; brother Myron, of Midwest City, Okla; son phillip and wife Bongi, of Salida, Colo.; daughter Valerie and husband David Vogt, of The Woodlands, Texas; son James David, of Houston, Texas; step-daughters Ronda Miller and husband David, of Butler, Mo., Malisa Files, of Redmond, Wash; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was active throughout life in the Baptist Church. He was a member of Pine Street Baptist Church, in Nevada, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreigh Wars, Lions Club, and active in the Kern Senior Center.

Jim's wishes were to be cremated with a service to celebrate his life at a later date. Services will be announced by the Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill.