James Edwin Shepard

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday July, 2nd at the McGilley State Line Chapel (12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145) at 3:00pm with a reception to follow at Milburn Country Club (7501 West 69th Street, Overland Park, KS 66204) from 4:00pm-6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks at www.autismspeaks.org and click donate then memorial/tribute.

Jim was born on May 3rd, 1942 in San Angelo, Texas. He was an adored son, loving husband, friend to many, and most of all a proud father and granddad. He grew up throughout Texas and Oklahoma, with fond memories of helping on the family ranch. He moved to Topeka and attended Washburn University. He then moved to Kansas City where he started his family and spent many years building his insurance business.

His love of the outdoors always followed him. He helped start the Indian Guides in KCK in the 1970’s and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing excursions. “Big Jim” could fix anything and loved helping, in particular, his children with various projects throughout the years. He had a never-ending love of coffee, no matter the temperature or time of day, and was known to tailor his business trips around the best fried chicken in the area.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Jayme Shepard. He is survived by his wife, Sharlyn Shepard. His children: Lori Williams (Cory), Steven Shepard (Barbara), David Shepard (Karla), and Kathryn Shepard. His grandchildren: Austin, Danielle, Melissa, Sarah, Jackson, Kathleen and Charlie. He is also survived by step-children Scot Meier (Raquel) and Marsha Bukowski (Walter) and step-grandchildren Bethaney and Brooklyn.