James Oliver Shaw

Jimmy was born on Jan. 22, 1957, to O.V. and Rosemary Shaw, at the Glynn-Brunswick Memorial Hospital, in Brunswick. Jimmy resided his entire life in Brunswick, where he attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School and graduated in 1975 from Glynn Academy. While enrolled in classes at Brunswick Junior College, with a vigorous work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit instilled in him by his father, Jimmy at age 22 began purchasing Central Hardware, at 1730 Norwich St., from his father, O.V. Shaw. Jimmy would carry on the tradition of the family business that will celebrate its 75th anniversary in July. He was an advocate for the Norwich Street Corridor and an intentional business leader in downtown Brunswick. Jimmy continued running a successful hardware business for the next 40 years with the help of many extraordinary employees and his sister, Susan Evans.

Jimmy passed his skill sets down to his children, who will continue running Central Hardware, with the same integrity, extraordinary customer service, work ethic and zest of life that Jimmy did. When not at the hardware store, Jimmy enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. Jimmy being an avid fisherman, was always willing to listen to or share the latest fish story. He loved to be outdoors, and he loved life. It was rare to see him without a smile on his face.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, O.V. and Rosemary Shaw.

Jimmy is survived by his sister, Susan Evans (Jack), of Townsend; daughter, Margaret Anne Strother (Clay) of St. Simons Island; son, Baxter Shaw (Lauren) of Brunswick; his devoted and loving companion of 20 years, Rebecca "Becky" Hill of Brunswick; Rebecca's children, Taryn Abel (Brian) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Sarah Mizell (Britt) of Atlanta; nephews, Matt Owens (Lindsay) of New Orleans and Barrett Evans (April) of Kingsland; and nieces, Amanda Holt (late husband, Jarrod) of Brunswick and Kristin Jacobs (Josh) of Rincon; two grandchildren Ansley and O.V. Strother; and extra-grands by Rebecca, Raylynn and Eliza Abel and Scarlett Mizell; the mother of his children, Cheryl Shaw; as well as a host of extended family and nieces and nephews.

Jimmy was a loving and dedicated brother, father, grandfather, uncle, business owner and a loyal friend to many. He was well-known in the community for his sunny deposition and willingness to help others. He had an uncanny ability to find happiness in both his daily activities and the simple things in life, and his pleasant personality was uplifting. No matter what role you played in Jimmy's life you always left knowing you were loved and appreciated. Jimmy was admired for his simple lifestyle and slower pace of living in this very fast-paced world. He lived life to the fullest, squeezing out every last drop of each day he was given. Jimmy will be remembered as a man with an infectious smile, a kind heart, a gentle spirit, astounding patience, captivating stories and remarkable fishing abilities.

A casual celebration of life visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 12 at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home.

In memory of Jimmy, contributions may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or St. Francis Xavier School.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.edomillerandsons.com for the Shaw family.