James M. "Jim" Shields

James M. “Jim” Shields, 88, of Wellsville, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 21, 2017, at Wellsville Retirement Community. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, August 24, 2017, at Rock Creek Cemetery, 33 Hwy to Stafford Road traveling east in Miami County for approximately 3 miles. Jim was born Tuesday, April 30, 1929, in Wellsville, the son of Ethel (Clay) and Harry Shields. He grew up in Wellsville, moving to Memphis, Tennessee; Buena Park, California; Norfolk, Virginia; Quonset Point, Rhode Island; Wellsville; Mound City, Kansas; and then returned to Wellsville, where he made his home until his death. He graduated from Wellsville High School with the class of 1947. Jim was united in marriage to Mary Ann Revey June 15, 1949 in Wellsville. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his four children, Pamela Weisenburg and husband Vernon of Maryland, Rose Broers and husband Terry of Wellsville, Sharla Fields and husband Milo of Florida, and Timothy Shields and wife Susan also of Wellsville; son-in-law, Rob O’Dell of Arizona; two brothers, Robert “Ed” Shields of Michigan, and William “Bill” Shields and wife Patsy of Wellsville; fourteen grandchildren; and twenty-eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Kitty O’Dell. Jim served in the United States Navy as a Personnelman from May 1947 to March 1970. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer from active duty March 9, 1970. When he retired, Jim immediately enlisted in the Navy Reserve program retiring in May 1977, where he obtained the rank of E7, Chief Petty Officer. After his military service, Jim worked construction as an electrician and drove a semi-truck for several companies. Jim was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church in Antioch. He was a member of the American Legion Post 194 of Wellsville and American Legion Post 279 of Blue Mound. Jim was a former member of Wellsville Lodge 356 A.F. & A.M. (Ancient Free & Accepted Masons) The family suggests memorial contributions to the Antioch Baptist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Jim’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com