Timothy Earl Shanks

March 17, 1968 – February 1, 2026

Tim was preceded in death by this father, John Davis Shanks. Tim is survived by his mother Dorothy Felts Shanks, Clinton, MS; Brothers and sisters John Shanks, Jr. (Carolyn), Madison, MS; Lynn Shanks Reulet (Remy), Jackson; Sue Lawrence, Madison; and Bill Shanks (Debbie), Byram. Nine nieces and nephews, and 17 great nieces and nephews. Proudly, several nephews have followed their Uncle Tim into the EMS Field.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, located at 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS, on Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 3:00PM – 5:00PM. A second visitation will take place at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, located at 7427 Old Canton Rd, Madison, MS, on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. The funeral service will follow at the church on February 9, 2026 starting at 1:00PM.

Timothy Earl Shanks was the fifth and final child born to John Davis Shanks and Dorothy Felts Shanks on March 17, 1968. Tim entered the world on the elevator at Hinds General Hospital, as always, in a rush to enjoy life!

Tim’s 57 years of rush to enjoy life started with scouting and grew into any and everything service related. Life was interrupted in the fall of 2024 with the diagnosis of ALS. Sadly, on February 1, 2026, he lost his fierce struggle with the disease. Heaven gained an angel and Tim was freed.

Family and friends all agree, Tim accomplished a lot during his short life. A few of his strongest points involved laughing, leading for his beloved young Scouts, giving back to his community and living with an open heart. Tim led, supported, respected, encouraged and loved all humans.

His passion for helping others became a profession in fire and EMS, by helping anyone in need. His love for his fellow responders made him a perfect fit in his honor guard family. It offered him the opportunity to serve in multiple cities across the nation.

“Sprout” was the nickname given to Tim early in his Fire Department career. Oh, how he grew and touched so many lives, even at the end of his journey. We will miss you, Sprout!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The For Paul Foundation at www.theforpaulfoundation.org or to the National EMS Memorial Service at https://admin.eservicestech.com/donate.

Ken Kercheval Scout Executive/CEO Andrew Jackson Council Boy Scouts of America, [email protected]

MS EMS Honor Guard, c/o Commander Eric Phillips,

[email protected]