On Friday evening February 12, 2021, James Edwin Shelley (Jim), loving husband and father, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family at age 70. He was loved by his children, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
James was born on August 13, 1950 in Farmington, New Mexico, to Earl and Betty Lou (Jones) Shelley. He spent his early childhood years in Wagner, AZ, until his family moved to Chandler Heights, AZ, where he graduated high school in 1968. He spent his summers working at his family’s dude ranch in Airpine, AZ.
In the summer of 1969, Jim met his beautiful future wife, Lynette Petersen, who was working for his parents at the family’s ranch. They dated and got engaged while he was attending Mesa Community College. They were married on October 16, 1971, in Heber, AZ. Shortly thereafter, he was hired by the Mesa City Police Department where he advanced to the rank of detective. After seven years of working for MCPD, he returned to the family ranch.
In 1986 he left the ranch and moved to Kanab, UT, where he took a job as a truck driver for Petersen Logging. When the logging industry shut down he went to work for Page Steel also driving truck. While in Kanab, they raised their seven children.
James was a genuine story teller who could embellish the story unlike any other. His children and grandchildren loved hearing his stories and never tired of hearing them over, and over, and over again.
James loved ranching and horses. He always felt at home riding his horse and working with cattle out on the range. He loved to rope with his dad, brother Dennis, and Uncle Ralph. He was a natural and well accomplished in calf roping and team roping. James once told his wife, “I don’t know if I want to go to Heaven if there aren’t horses”.
James was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Betty Lou, his older brother Gary, and his granddaughter Andee M’lee.
He will be missed by his wife Lynette, his children Amy (Rick) Willis,Kanab, UT; Chad (Jamie) Shelley, Rocksprings, WY; Matt Shelley, Kanab, UT; Choc (Brie) Shelley, Saratoga Springs, UT; Kortni Shelley, Kanab, UT; Jenny (J.D.) Stevens, Holden, UT; and Jori (Danny) Schofield, Cedar City, UT; 25 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. James will also be missed by his brother Dennis (Kathie) Shelley, Roosevelt, AZ, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, Feb 20, 2021 at the Kanab South Chapel, 600 S Hwy 89A, Kanab, UT at 2:00 PM. Viewing will start at 1:00 PM.
Interment in the Kanab City Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.
love stream link is below.
So sorry for our loss. He will be greatly missed
Dear Shelley Family,
Alan an I are so sorry for your loss. We have loved getting to know James over the past 20 plus years. We had so much fun watching baseball and football games for our shared grandsons together. He was a great example of a kind, caring man for them to look up to. We know he will be missed by all his grandchildren and family. We send you all our love at this time. Our thoughts will be with you as you lay him to rest on Saturday. Rest In Peace James ❤️
Love Alan & Jana Richardson
I will be thinking of you Saturday as you have his funeral. I would like to be there & see you, your children, & grandchildren. Eugene’s best friend while he was growing up, funeral is exactly the same time in Show Low or else we would be there. You have always been special to me Lynette. You were always a sweet & pretty cousin (still are) & I enjoyed watching you grow up. I am sorry you are having to go through this trial right now. I know you will miss him terribly. I pray the Lord will bless you & comfort you. I send you my love, Mary
So very sorry for your loss Lynette! My thoughts a s prayers are with you and your family as you go through these hard times. ❤️
Lynette, our hearts are broken. We love your family. Please know you are in our prayers. Jim was a hard worker and a good man. I’m sure there will be horses in heaven
Love Norma and Rod
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are WITH you!! Love you all!!!
Vicky & Ronnie Solomon