James Darwin Shepard Sr.

He was born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania on September 1, 1942 to J. Oscar and Grace (Wable) Shepard. He met Peggy Ann Arnold through mutual friends and they were married on January 25, 1964 in Selma, Alabama and she survives.

Jim had a career in Security Police; he served in the United States Air Force as a Security Police Superintendent for 20 years before retiring and continuing with the State of Texas as a Security Officer of the 147th Security Force Squadron and retired with nine years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #490 and the United States Organization (USO). Jim was an avid fan of Alabama Football and Astros Baseball. He also enjoyed fishing. Throughout their lives together Jim and Peggy loved dancing--whether at the USO before their marriage, on a Cruise, or at family celebrations.

He is preceded in death by his father J. Oscar Shepard, his mother Grace Ponton, two sisters Beverly Craig and Carol Stevenson.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Peggy A. Shepard; three sons Jimmy Shepard, Mike Shepard, David (Danna) Shepard, daughter Angela (Alex) Venegas; nine grandchildren Whitney (Andrew) Taylor, Brette Lea (Jarred) Barker, McClain Shepard, Rachel Kellert, Axandria Shepard, Sharlee Shepard, Emily Laux, Robert (Meghan) Laux, and Alexandra Venegas; eight great-grandchildren Aiden McMillan, Matthew Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Bostyn Barker, Denver Barker, Merrick Barker, Harper McCune, Madison Laux. Also surviving are his four sisters; Gail Foreman, Janice Johnson, Karen (Dennis) Scheffield, and Glenda (Stan) Deckert as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside Inurnment Services will be at Houston National Cemetery with Full Military Honors on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 11:15 AM. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 PM at New Hope Church, Friendswood Campus; 108 W. Edgewood Drive, Friendswood, TX 77546 with pastor Mike Cervantes officiating both services.