James Harile "Jim" Shelton

James Harile "Jim" Shelton, was born in January, 1929 in Detroit, MI. He graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit with a specialty in the printing trade. Jim entered the United States Air Force in 1948. He married his high school sweetheart, Frances Geraldine "Gerry" Brown soon thereafter. When discharged from the Air Force, Jim and Gerry returned to Detroit. Jim found an entry level job in the auto industry, because there were no jobs open in the printing trade. For the next forty years or so, Jim worked in the automotive sheet metal prototype industry, making parts for forward year cars [and the occasional boat or missile nose-cone]. He worked primarily for Automotive Fabricators ["Auto Fab"] and for Milford Fabricators ["Mil Fab"], which was later bought by The Budd Company. He rose in his factory from Bench Mechanic to Supervisor to Inspector to Foreman to Plant Manager. He was prized by his employer and respected and admired by co-workers and employees. [While respected, he was teased endlessly about being the company's "THB", or Top Hillbilly.] Upon his retirement, the president of the company called Jim "the heart of the company." Jim's humor and buoyant, optimistic spirit made him fast friends and probably kept him out of a few fights. At home in the 1950's and 1960's and 1970's Jim was a good father and husband. Family loyalty was of paramount importance to him. Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, a son and three daughters, ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He missed his Mom and Dad, when they died, but especially was saddened by the death of his younger brother, Carl, at age 62. He loved his children and grandchildren [and great-grands]. He was open to changing his views. He believed that he learned a lot from his kids, whose values he respected. Jim used to bring Gerry coffee and peanut-butter toast to her bedside every morning, as his end of a bargain they made early in their marriage--so that Jim wouldn't have to wake up in the middle of the night to attend hungry babies. Jim loved music, singing in the choir and playing guitar. A devout Christian and lifetime member of the United Methodist Men's Group, Jim was often tapped to assume leadership roles in the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Detroit, Oak Grove UMC in Howell, MI, High Desert UMC in Rio Rancho, NM and Faith UMC Knoxville, TN. Jim believed that his death represented a "Coming home" and he knew that he'd be at home with God. Jim's wife Gerry, their kids and grand-kids believe that part of Jim Shelton carries on in each of us; we are enriched to have known him, and proud to carry his name, his gifts, and his faith as a light into the world. Continuing in Jim's generous spirit, if desired, memorials may be made to Faith United Methodist Church 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918, CaringBridge http://www.caringbridge.org/, or The Alzheimer's Association in the location of your choice http://www.alz.org/ . Memorial for James Shelton Sunday, October 19, 2014, 2pm, with light refreshments to follow in the Fellowship Hall Oak Grove United Methodist Church 6686 Oak Grove Road Howell, MI 48855 (517) 546-3942