James A. Sheets

He was born on June 3, 1935, in Clarksville, Pennsylvania, the son of a coal miner, and was raised in a company house owned by the company store. There was little money, and life was simple, hard, and honest — a beginning Jim carried with pride throughout his life. He never forgot where he came from, and that humility would become one of his defining traits.

As a young man, college did not seem possible. But his mother once told him, “Just go for one semester.” She knew he wouldn’t come back. She was right.

Jim eventually arrived in Quincy, Massachusetts, with a suitcase and $37 in his pocket. By the time his journey there was complete, he had helped shape the city through policies and decisions that continue to allow it to flourish today.

Education mattered deeply to him. He attended Eastern Nazarene College, where his love of history, ideas, faith, and leadership took root. He later became an instructor at Quincy College and Eastern Nazarene College, believing that investing in people was one of the most meaningful ways to change the world. Students remembered him not only for what he taught, but for how deeply he cared.

With the encouragement and support of students in one of his classes, Jim made the unlikely decision to run for public office. Though considered an underdog, his first campaign was a success, and he was elected Quincy Ward 4 Councilor.

His political career continued to grow over the years as he served with distinction as a Quincy City Councilor, President of the City Council, State Representative, and ultimately Mayor of Quincy, Massachusetts. Notably, he remains the only State Representative to have won both the Democratic and Republican nominations for the same State Representative seat in a single primary election — a rare testament to the trust he inspired across party lines.

Jim later ran for the United States Congress, reflecting his lifelong belief that leadership should always be rooted in service, integrity, and accountability. Throughout his career, he met presidents, governors, and senators and attended events at both the White House and State House, yet titles never defined the man.

Public service was a calling, but family was always his center.

Jim married his college sweetheart, Joann, his beloved wife of 66 years. She was his rock, his sounding board, and his greatest supporter. He often said he would never have been the man he was without her.

Together they built a home filled with energy, tradition, and love while raising their four children. Sunday dinner after church at the Sheets household became legendary — a table full of laughter, storytelling, and connection. More than a few lives were shaped around that table as Jim held court, sharing stories and reliving adventures.

He lived with curiosity and enthusiasm. Jim enjoyed fishing the Everglades, canoeing the rapids of the Allagash, traveling the Amazon River, dancing the night away on a party boat on the Sea of Galilee, hiking Mount Olympus in Greece, and taking cherished family trips to Florida. Wherever he went, he gathered stories — and brought them home to share.

Later in life, his grandchildren became one of his greatest sources of joy. He loved them deeply and delighted in their happiness, especially during trips to Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh, another treasured family tradition. In a gesture that reflected both his roots and his heart, Jim rebuilt the basement of the old company-store house in Clarksville, installing bunk beds so his grandchildren would always have a place to stay. Watching them discover the same wonder he once felt brought his life beautifully full circle.

In his later years, Jim and Joann returned to Clarksville — the place where his story began and where his heart had always remained. His final wish was to be home when he drew his last breath, and that wish was honored.

Just before his passing, his grandchildren called from Nashville to say goodbye. The last thing he heard was them singing “Country Roads.”

“Take me home, to the place I belong.”

He was home.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joann; his children Kimberly Woodward (Steve), Jimmy Sheets (Stephanie), Tad Sheets (Peggy), and Luke Sheets (Jenn); and his cherished grandchildren Julie, Laura, Michael, Nicholas, Julia, Caleb, Jacob, Gavin, Ashtin, and Sunny.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Jessica, his grandsons Jonathon and James, his father Harry Sheets, his mother Pauline (Walker) Sheets, and his sister Dorothy (Sheets) Andreko.

From a childhood marked by hardship to a life defined by leadership, education, service, and love, Jim made something meaningful with the life he was given. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the students he inspired, the community he helped shape, and the countless lives he touched.

He will be missed more than words can say and remembered always with love and gratitude.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Behm Funeral Home, 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, PA 15344. A memorial visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a service beginning at 2:00 p.m.