James P. Sheppard
There will be a private service at a later date.
Jim was born in Pekin, Illinois to Robert F. and Marion C. (Van Scoy) Sheppard. He attended St. Edward Catholic High School in Elgin Illinois, and worked for the City of Elgin for more than 30 years. On December 01, 1973, Jim married Verna Lee Elgan, whom he loved deeply, in Elgin, Illinois. The two were married for 47 years and had two sons, Conor and Patrick, and four grandchildren that he adored: Arthur, Colin, Oliver, and Eloise.
Jim enjoyed fishing, cooking, had a deep appreciation for all things musical, and immensely enjoyed holding his grandchildren.
He was a member of the Monroe Prairie A.T.V. Club and Ducks Unlimited and was the founder of the Dellwood Sportsman & Social Club.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Marion, and nephew Tim. He is survived by his wife Verna, sons Conor (Ali) Sheppard of Adams Wisconsin, Patrick (Ashley) Sheppard of Apple Valley Minnesota, grandchildren, sisters Laurie (Jim) Huske and Katie (William) Ross, brothers Michael (Linda) Sheppard, Brian (Jolene) Sheppard, Paul (Jan) Sheppard, and John (Karina) Sheppard, and 15 nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation in his name.
The family is grateful for the thoughts, prayers, and comfort they have received.
“Fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all.”
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Verna, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. If there is anything you need please let me know. I’m in the Genoa phone book. Sending lots of love, Kathy Jurs Nelson
Verna and family. We are all thinking of you and we love you!
Phyllis, Kris, Kent, Deana, Joe, Pia and Jim.
Dear Verna, Conor, Pat, & family:
My deepest condolences for your loss. Jim was a fun and engaging leader for our Cub Scout troop and always made me feel welcome when I spent time at your house. He always seemed to know a little bit about everything, too. No doubt he’ll be missed!
Best wishes,
Hal J.
I am so sorry for your loss Verna and family. I miss you and am thinking of you and the memories I made with you both.
My condolences to the family. I have fond childhood memories playing at the Sheppard farmhouse and Jim was always so friendly – and hilarious! Listening to his old Spike Jones records is a formative memory of mine. He’ll be missed far and wide.
Dear Verna, Conor and Patrick,
We just heard about Jim this morning. We are so sorry and wish it wasn’t so. We’ve missed you all over the years and remember the fun times we had together. Jim was a good man and always enjoyed his humor and wit. I know you must be hurting so much and we are so very sorry and wish we could take the pain away. Please keep in contact. Love Bill and Linda Bailey
Verna- You have my deepest sympathies. Jim was a close friend. Even though we parted ways years ago I still thought of him often. My one regret is that we never had the chance to get together in retirement and catch up on our lives. You know where I am if you ever need anything at all.
Patrick, I’m sorry for you and your family. Losing your father at age 68 is too young. I liked your father; he was a good man. I remember a time when he and your mother came to speak to us when we we were in tough shape, and I will always remember that. May God comfort you in this time.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of your family at this time.
So sorry for your loss.. he will always be remembered.. and I am great full to have saved his radio!..hugs to you and the family.. always here if you need me❤️
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Sorry for your loss. Jim was an awesome individual!
Dear Verna,
Your in Our thoughts and Prayers
Love ❤️ You My Friend.,.😘
So sorry Verna, love you all bunches. Sending hugs and prayers of comfort..
Verna, I am so sorry for your loss. I am grateful for the fond memories made with you both. Peace be with you and your family. xo
So very sorry for your family’s loss
Thinking of, and holding you close in prayer during this sad time.
“we weep not only because we have lost something, but because we were given so much”
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your comfort and peace in knowing that Jim knew how much he was loved.
I’m so sorry. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences, Patrick, Connor, and Verna. My thoughts are with you in this time. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. I love you all and I’m very sorry. Gzip
Good Lord Vern, what a kick in the balls…cheryl and I send our hugs and love to you and your family …sure gonna miss that onry ,outspoken well read cousin if mine….jimbo was my confirmation sponsor and I always had a special place for him…..i took his name James as my confirmation name….(Patrick William James sheppard)….Gods speed jimbo….i love ya man……🍀scíth a ligean🍀
Vernie girl so sorry for your loss! If you need anything let me know. 😘😘😘 Jayne Elgan
Very sorry for your loss. I remember when I saw you at Paul and Janice’s. Had know idea that you a co worker was related to my niece. Hope you are do okay and surrounded with love and family.
Love Roger and Linda Krefting
Dear Verna; it is with profound sorrow that we learn of Jim’s passing. We will miss his humor and wisdom, but what we will miss most is his love of family. He set the bar on how we should treat one another, and the love for his children and you showed us all how a real man takes care of his family. We hope gods love will comfort you during these hard times and please remember your not alone as we are here for you at all times. 🙏❤️
Dear Verna, I’m so sorry to hear of your husband’s death! You have my deepest sympathy! Praying that God will comfort you and your family! God’s blessings be upon you! I think of you often and miss seeing you!
Sorry for your loss of your loved one. Praying 🙏 for you and your family, that God will give you strength thru this time.