James Houston Shelton, MD

James Houston Shelton, MD of Dallas died unexpectedly in his home on September 13, 2015. The oldest of three, Jim was born October 24, 1944, to Joseph Houston Shelton and Jean Jones Shelton, PhD, in San Antonio, Texas. Jim grew up in Dallas and attained the rank of Eagle Scout at age 12. He was a 1962 graduate of the St. Marks School of Texas where he was twice captain of the soccer team and a Headmaster Cup Winner. Jim attended Harvard College, where he was captain of the Eliot House Soccer Team, earned the Eliot House Award, was a member of the Hasty Pudding Club and the Pi Eta Club, graduating with honors in 1966. He then attended Harvard Medical School, where he was a proctor for two years and an instructor in Electron Microscopy before graduating with honors in 1970. Throughout his life, Jim remained active in the Harvard Club and volunteered his time to interview candidates for admission. In 1970 Jim married Nancy Breard Shelton, the love of his life, and moved to San Diego, California for his internship, residency, and his cardiology fellowship with Dr. Eugene Braunwald. Uncle Sam called and Dr. Shelton completed his cardiology training at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio where he was a Major in the United States Army. He served two years as Chief of Cardiology at Silas B. Hays Army Hospital at Fort Ord in California. Following completion of his military service in 1977, he joined Dr. John W. Hyland and Cardiology Associates at Baylor Hospital which later became HeartPlace. Dr. Shelton was one of the early practitioners of invasive cardiology in Dallas. Later he was a founding partner of ESP Cardiology which became North Texas Heart Center. He served as Director of Nuclear Cardiology at Baylor. A board certified internist, Dr. Shelton was a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a Fellow of the Clinical Council of the American Heart Association. He was a member of the DCMS, the TMA and the AMA. Dr. Shelton served on the boards of the American Heart Association, the Harvard Club, the Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital and Cistercian Preparatory School. He was a member of the Texas Club of Internists, Idlewild, Terps, and the Dallas Country Club. Jim and Nancy were also past co-presidents of the Argyle Club.

Dr. Shelton sustained his practice with a keen sense of humor, a quick wit and ready jokes. His gruff exterior concealed a heart of gold, which his patients soon learned to love and respect. He balanced intellect and training with an intense determination to provide the most skillful service to his patients.

Over the span of his 37 year career, he devoted his life to the care of those lucky enough to be his patients and touched the lives of many. He spread the joy of life. He was a Christian and a loyal friend.

A second generation pilot, Jim followed in his mother’s footsteps, logging over 1900 hours and achieving his instrument rating. He was a student of history as well as the stock market and had a standing daily appointment with the Wall Street Journal. Jim and Nancy traveled the world and savored the memories. They celebrated 45 years of marriage in June. Jim is survived by his wife Nancy, children Dr. Joseph Houston Shelton (Heather) of Fort Worth, David Breard Shelton (Julia), Kathleen Harrell Shelton, and 4 grandchildren Jane, Aubrey Joy, Charlie and Leila, whom he adored. He is also survived by brother Bob Shelton of Dallas, sister Merijean Kelley of California, cousin, Winnie Elmore of Fort Worth, father-in-law Tom Byrne, numerous nephews, nieces, and other family members. A memorial service will be held at Park Cities Baptist Church on September 16 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, the Aldredge House at 5500 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75214 or the charity of your choice.