James Shields

The funeral service for Jim Shields, age 69, will be held Friday, June 14, 2013 at 10:00 am at the New Hope United Methodist Church. Dr. Sheila Combs-Francis will officiate. Burial will be in the Canute Cemetery, Canute, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 pm on Thursday at the Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

Jim was born March 9, 1944 in Sentinel, OK to James and Helen Reed Shields and passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2013 in St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. He was raised and attended school in Port School in southwestern Oklahoma in 1962. He attended and received his Master’s Degree in Education from Southwestern State College in Weatherford, OK. He married Billie Ruth Pierce on August 15, 1968 in Enid, OK.

Jim taught for 2 years at Boise City, OK and then moved to Enid where he taught at Pioneer-Pleasant Vale Elementary for 5 years before becoming the principal. He touched many lives and generations of students before retiring after 30 years.

He loved every student and family who came through the doors of Pioneer-Pleasant Vale and could remember a story or share a memory about everyone. While working as a principal, Jim became active with the Pioneer Lions Club and was involved at many events including taking the gate at Pioneer football games before watching both of his daughters cheering and in the band.

Jim was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church. He was very active and loved going on mission trips to Mexico where he loved meeting the people. While in Mexico he made many lasting relationships while teaching Bible school to the children and building Casitas. He even taught some of the children to play dominoes.

Jim’s involvement in church and small groups has brought lots of enjoyment and friendships. His long lasting gourmet group has been meeting for many years. They have formed an extended family and share many great memories...

Jim was an avid antique collector and enjoyed many road trips with his family and wife, Billie. He loved finding a great piece and then the best deal. He also enjoyed building unique antique projects with his daughters and finding “junk” for them.

Jim was a true lover of learning and planned the best trips to some interesting places he had read and researched. He enjoyed piling the family into the big red truck to head out on an adventure or antiquing trip, never leaving his book behind.

Jim had a wonderful family and beloved wife, Billie, whom he leaves behind. She was always by his side and you could count on him to be waiting, book in hand, until she was ready for the next adventure.

Jim had a big heart and truly loved his family. The Shields family gatherings were always eventful especially at Christmas time. As the family grew with the addition of spouses and babies, he could be counted on to entertain everyone.

Jim always had a smile on his face and a funny story to tell usually with some southwestern slang in it. Jim will be missed but his life has touched so many. He will not be forgotten.

Survivors include his wife, Billie of the home, children: Jami Ruth Shields, Amy Anne Raab and husband, Jason; sisters, Donna Gibbins and husband Bob of Sentinel, OK; Judy Shelman of Plains, KS and sister-in-law, Druann Shields of Sentinel, OK.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jeffery Ken Shields.

Memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church. Condolences may be made on line at www.ladusauevans.com The service may be viewed online for those unable to attend the service.