Jim was born in Exeter, California to the late Forrest and Vilma Sheppa. He was raised in Tulare, California until he moved together with his mother and sister Cora to Merced, California at the age of 16. He graduated from Merced High School in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army. Jim worked as a Jeweler for 21 years.
Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Julia (Julie) Sheppa of Atwater, CA and they have lived there for 42 years; his son Roger Sheppa (Susan) of El Cerrito, CA; his four daughters, Tiffany Sheppa (Anthony Silva) of Acampo, CA; Rochelle Lumbis, Carol (Lynette) Walker (Gary) and Sheryl Fisher (Vern) all of Atwater, CA; his two sisters Carol Ann Brown (Jim) of Sekiu, WA and Cora May Bennett of Colorado Springs, CO; his two aunts Gail Moore of Tulare, CA and Cora May Starkweather of Port Orchard, WA; 9 loving grandchildren and 2 loving great grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers-in-law Manuel Moitoso (Tina) of Lodi, CA, Robert Moitoso of West Port, CA and Albert Moitoso (Julie) of Snelling, CA; and several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.
He was a member at Large of the V.F.W. of Merced and the American Legion of Merced. Jim was also a member of PFSA (Portuguese Fraternal Society of America) Co. #26 of Stevinson/Turlock/Hilmar. Before his illness he was Trustee and an active member of the Elks Lodge of Merced and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
A combined Rosary and Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 8471 Cypress Street, Hilmar, CA
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com for the Sheppa family.
