James Lester Shelton Jr.

James Lester Shelton Jr. passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025 at the age of 76 in Glendale, Arizona. James was the son of James Lester Shelton Sr. and Mona Marie Whitley. He was born on February 17, 1949 in Pontiac, Michigan. He graduated from Pontiac High school before spending 23 years in the United States Army. He retired with the rank of Sergeant first class. After his military career he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University.

James and Jewel Deane Cortey were married on June 11, 1971 in Pontiac, Michigan. Born to this union was a daughter Lawanda Jeanine Shelton and a son Rahmar Ali Shelton. James enjoyed sports, and he was a faithful fan of the Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

James was preceded in death by his parents

James leaves the following family members to cherish his memory, his wife Jewel Deane Shelton, son Rahmar Ali Shelton, daughter-in-law Annielaurie Van Wie, daughter Lawanda Jeanine Shelton and two grandsons Deshawn James Shelton and Tommy Wright III, and one great grandson Deshawn James Shelton Jr. He is also survived by his sister Anita Shelton Ford, niece Shayla Mason, two nephews Charles Ford III and Kevin Shelton Ford.

The Shelton family will host a Celebration of Life for James on November 22, 2025 from 12-4 pm at the Renaissance of Glendale Hotel, 9495 Entertainment Boulevard (at Glendale Westgate) Glendale, AZ 85306.