James Robert Shay

Jim was born on January 6, 1951, in Parsons, Kansas to James Aloysius Shay and Elizabeth Ann Steimel. Jim lived in the Kansas City area all his life until he moved to Colorado Springs in 2022 to be closer to his daughter, Jennifer’s family. Jim graduated from DeLaSalle high school in 1969. He met his future wife, Linda Diane Lally in 1963 in the sixth grade. They were married on November 27, 1971, and were married for nearly 54 years. Together, Jim and Linda had 1 daughter, Jennifer. Jim cherished his daughter and was very proud of her many talents and accomplishments.

Jim started working at the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad in 1970. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad in 2011 after 40+ years of railroad service as a conductor. He had many close friends at the railroad and always had a comical story to share about his work adventures. Jim loved spending time with Linda and Jennifer riding his Harley, fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, and cooking. After his retirement, he became an avid beekeeper. He especially enjoyed the peacefulness of watching his bees in flight and raising new queens. He also enjoyed many hours supporting his grandsons by attending cross-country races, high school plays/musicals, diving, robotic, tennis and soccer competitions. He was so proud of each one of them.

Jim was a fair and honorable man who was dedicated to his family. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Jim is survived by his wife, Linda, his daughter, Jennifer Walker (Shawn), his 4 grandsons, Aiden, Logan, Keegan and Roran, his 8 siblings, many nieces and nephews and lots of friends. He was preceded in death by both of his parents.