James Michael Shea, 79, died, March 5, 2016 in Modesto, California.

He was born July 27, 1936, in Collinsville, Illinois, son of Daniel Parnell and Florence B. Schiller Shea, he was a 1954 graduate of Collinsville, IL High School, where he played drums and was a member of the marching band.

James was a Korean Conflict veteran, Mr. Shea entered the US Air Force in 1954 at the age of 17 years old. During his time in the service, he was attached to the 1137th Special Activities Squadron and flew on B57-B''s missions doing reconnaissance assignments. He was honorably discharged as an Airman 2nd class from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, on June 24th, 1956, subsequently serving in the USAF Reserves.
After his discharge, Jim entered college and graduated from Southern Illinois University, with a B.A. in Liberal Arts; he also played percussion in their symphony orchestra and was a drum player in their marching band.
Following college, Mr. Shea began his career with the Prestolite Company in Syracuse, NY. In 1965, he moved to Beaver Falls, NY where he became the Industrial Relations Manager of Latex Fiber Industries. From 1970 through 1980, he worked as the Industrial Relations Manager for Georgia Pacific at their plant in Lyons Falls, NY and also handled all of their labor relations covering 17 plants on the East Coast and Mid-West. In 1980, he became the Director of Human Resources for Gulf Oil Company''s Chemical Division in Cleveland, Ohio. When he retired from Kaiser in 1991, he accepted a Vice President''s position with Bonfare Food Stores, based in Albany, NY, and retired a few years later.

Mr. Shea was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Green Valley, AZ where he also volunteered. He was an outdoorsman and particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jim also spent a great deal of time his daughter Mary, who cared for him, and stayed close by his side during his illness.
Surviving are two daughters, Mary Patricia Shea, of Modesto, CA, who is a professor at Modesto Jr. College, and Lori A. Shea-Feldman of Stow, Ohio, and one grandchild, Cooper J. Feldman of Stow, Ohio. Three brothers, Daniel T., Patrick E. and Richard B. Shea, and a sister Marie C. Oatman, all predeceased him.

Memorial Service will be Wednesday, March 30th at 501 W. Main St., Collinsville, IL, 62234, from 4pm-6pm, with Funeral at 5:30pm. Burial will be Thursday, March 31st at 10am at Peter and Paul Cemetery, 636 E. Main St., Collinsville, IL, 62234.

In memory of Mr. Shea, the family asks that you send any donations to the renovation of:
St. Stephen''s Catholic Church
9748 Main St.
Croghan, NY 13327