James Dewey Shannon

He was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, son of Dewey Dunbar and Lola Morrison Shannon. James attended West End High School, then transferred and graduated from Gulf Coast Military Academy in Gulfport, Mississippi. He retired from Bellsouth after 47 years of service and served in the US Army Reserve-87th USA Maneuver Area Command as a Master Sergeant for 22 years.

James grew up attending West End Baptist Church, then later attended Berney Points Baptist Church and Metropolitan Church of God.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Dollie Reid Shannon; twin sister, Julia Landrum; and beloved uncle and aunt, General Leon and LaFoil Mathews. He is survived by Bonnie Shannon; the mother of his children; son, Jimmy (Betty) Shannon; two daughters, Sharon (Billy) Ainsworth, and Susan (Laine) Spruiell; and stepsons, Bobby (Becky) Rikard and David Rikard.

He was a beloved grandfather to Chris (Nicole) Spruiell, Will (Kendall) Ainsworth, Shannon (Clint) Johnston, Blake (Monica) Spruiell, Natalie Shannon, Austin (Ann Ever) Ainsworth, Anna (Chris) Groom, and Robby (Caroline) Spruiell, and step-granddaughter, Lisa (Darren) Wilson. He is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful for all the support and prayers of family, friends, and special neighbors, Fred and Deborah Ranelli; caregivers, Courtaney Allen-Welch and Zanthia Turner, and the compassionate care James received in his last days at Grandview Hospital.

The service will be held at Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home in West End on Thursday, August 29th, with visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 and the service at 2:00, graveside to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a memorial donation to Real Life Pregnancy Center, P.O. Box 1432, Albertville, Alabama 35950.