James (Jim) Wesley Shanks passed away Monday, January 2, 2017; he was 82 years, 10 months and 21 days old. He was the son of the late James Wesley Shanks Sr. and Callie (Smith) Shanks. He was born February 12, 1934 in Morehouse, Missouri and attended school at Morehouse, Missouri through the eighth grade.
After helping with the family farm for several years he served briefly in the Air Force as a Military Police Officer. In 1955 he started a career working for various railroads in Gary, Indiana, Noblesville, Illinois and Bell City, Missouri. He retired in 1985 as a Foreman over a Track Maintenance Crew with the Union Pacific Railroad.
On July 12, 1969, he was united in marriage to Sarah Ellen Wilson. They were married for more than 45 wonderful years.
He attended the First United Pentecost Church in Morehouse, Missouri with Sarah for more than 25 years. He later was a member of the First Pentecostal Church in Dexter, Missouri for several years before his declining health prevented him from attending. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, working in his vegetable garden, planting flowers especially roses which Sarah loved. When he couldn’t be outside, he could be found reading the daily newspaper or a good western novel while sitting in his recliner.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife Sarah and his parents James and Callie and his Step-dad Claud Davis. Eight siblings also precede him in death: sisters Oma Waggnor, June Wade and Ella Swartz. Brothers Hershel, Russell and Earl Sloan; Tommy and Paul Davis.
Jim is survived by his son, Keith Shanks and his Girlfriend Felicia Kunefke of Benton, Missouri; his Step-son Phillip Wilson Sr. and his wife Jean Ann of Grayridge, Missouri; by five grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.
Visitation will be at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM on Thursday, January 5, 2017.
Funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM with Rev. Jeff Wells officiating. Interment will follow in the Hagy Cemetery in Dexter, Missouri.
