We all miss you Clancy! Peace to your family and friends.

Dear Tom, Patty, & Shank Family,
      I am so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. 
      Although I had not seen Jim for many years, we were good friends in our youth.  I remember Jim as a cheerful and athletic young man who loved sports.  It was very impressive when he did not make the Luers basketball team, but then worked hard developing skills by himself to make the team a year later - great determination which I am sure served Jim well throughout his life.
     You are in my prayers.
   

What can be better when growing up than having a neighborhood buddy---that's what Jim was to me. What could be better is having a playing field between our houses. On the blocks of Old Mill, Southwood, and Pettit, the Shanks/Ottenwellers had great times including a lighted ice rink, baseball diamond with legitimate back stop and bases, football in the yards, basketball in the driveways, and riding toboggans on the roads. Jim had the strength and determination that would serve him well in his adult life. Rest in peace my childhood friend. It is time to run, jump, and skate again.



To the entire Shank family, you are in my prayers during this time. Jim was an amazing man. He shared many stories with me through the years working with him. Loved to talk sports.  

We send our thoughts of sympathy and comfort to you today as we learn of Jim’s passing.
Our father and Jim shared a special friendship that we cherish in our memories. 
Please know that you are in our prayers.
Peggy Hansen
Marty Kaderabek 




Dear family.  I’m so sorry Jim has passed away.  I always enjoyed his humor when at an occasional family gathering.   My prayers are with all of you as I know you will miss him so much.  
With love Sheila and David Robinson.  

So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Please know how much Jim & the entire Shank family means to our family. (Dick & Marilyn Miller) Praying for your peace & comfort.
Blessings,
Peggy Miller Hansen

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy-all of you -but especially Sandi. Jimmy is truly free now!
So many stories. As numerous as the stars, but just one for you to hopefully recall that ever loving  Cubbies fan. It’s spring in 7th grade, hot inside the SJB classroom but Jimmy has on a long sleeve white shirt. 
The transistor radio is in his pants pocket and the radio wire travels up his sleeve and he can rest his hand on his head to conceal the ear bud. Sister let him think she didn’t see but as we all know those nuns had eyes in the back of their heads. Finally Jim slips up and let’s an audible slip. She turns around from the blackboard and says “Mr. Shank, would you mind sharing the score with the whole class? “ Love you buddy.
Shank clan ,
If you need any smiles when you have a gloomy day in the future I am happy to share Clear lake, grade school or BLHS stories kids. Sandi has heard them a million times. May you Rest In Peace Jimmy and  may the full moon shine on your silhouette forever as you one foot barefoot down the south shore.  Peace.

My condolences to you and your family Sandy. 
May Jimmy  truly Rest In Peace. 

Best Sailor on Clearlake! ❤️🙏🏆⛵️⛵️⛵️

As Mary Lou Doerhman so beautifully stated, Jim always had a smile and amazing attitude. And what a great athlete ! I played hockey and boxed with Jim and he was superb. But his most enduring characteristic was his ' pure class" even in his unfortunate situation. Sandi and all were saints in his care. God Bless you all from the Nill Family. 

To Sandi, children, grandchildren and brother Tommy:

I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.  I have not lived in the Fort since going off to college at IU and as such, never had the opportunity to meet you, Sandi.  I was a classmate of Jim's (or Clancy as we called him) at Bishop Luers in 1968.  I had heard of Jim's accident decades ago and have thought of him often since that day.  He has been a true fighter over all these years and one can only marvel as to how he has faced his fate over this entire timeframe.  He is an extremely good role model for anyone facing adversity during their lifetimes.  I don't know if any of us could have done as well as Jim.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.  Brother Tom is the only sibling of Jim's that I knew and I extend my heartfelt condolences to him, as well.
Sincerely,
Jerry Burgette
11-18-1949

The Pfeiffer Family sends our deepest condolences.  Jim always greeted us with his great smile, hand shake and always had an upbeat conversation.  What an amazing person.  Tough as nails.  We will miss him overlooking Clear Lake in body, but will know his SPIRIT IS STILL THERE.  God rest his soul.  

To Jim's immediate family (Sandi and kids and grandkids), and all of his siblings and nieces and nephews: You are all an amazing family. As a close friend of Patty's, I have listened to family stories and observed from a distance your endless dedication and love for each other. I am in awe of your family ties. And Jim, well, every time I saw him, he always had a smile on his face; and I am thinking your love and support helped him live life to its fullest. On the other hand, Jim must have had an incredible sense of self and determination to be there for all of you, too.  I toast you all! 


To all my Shank cousins, I send my deepest sympathies and prayers.  So many fond memories of growing up near you, of St. John's and Bishop Luers and all the family gatherings. I last saw Jim at Aunt Helen's funeral and fondly remember reconnecting with him. Jim gave me his best hug, arms outstretched as far as he could manage.  Jim was an inspiration to us all. Judy Heiny 

To the Shank Family I send my prayers and sympathy to you all. I graduated with Jim Class of 68 BLHS. So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing, at peace now!                                              My sincere Sympathy to you all.            Mindy McArdle Pennycoff

I was a classmate of Jim in grade school and high school.
The fond memory I want to share is when in 8th grade at St. John
The baptist school we were celebrating st. Patrick day and Jim was dressed for st Patrick’s day of course but also had green sideburns
And that was a cute look for sure. 
When I would see Jim over the years I would remind him of that and
He would always smile.
God bless you Jim for your strong determination.
Janice m buck

The Shank Family,

I would like to offer my thoughts and condolences on the passing of your father. I was sad to hear the news. Although many years have passed since I lived in Fort Wayne, some of my fondest memories were being a part of Shank Bros. Those summers are forever etched into my memory. Your father was a pillar in our community and a light in our neighborhood. The dignity with which he faced his challenges and the grace by which he lived his life continues to be an example for me to this day.  I'm sure this is a difficult time for all of you, but please know your father made a lasting impression on a lot of lives by his very presence...I am but one of many. I'm grateful to have known him. My Deepest Sympathies,
Michael Oberholtzer & Family

OBITUARY

James Clancy Shank

November 11, 1949 – April 13, 2022

Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home

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