JIM SHACKELFORD

Palmer resident James Edward Shackelford, 77, died June 2, 2003, at Providence Extended Care Center. He courageously battled multiple complications from heart surgery since September 2002.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at St. Michael's Parish in Palmer. Mr. Shackelford will also receive military honors at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 16, at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery. At his request, his ashes will be scattered in the Prince William Sound out of Valdez at a later date, with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Mr. Shackelford was born Sept. 8, 1925, in Hyannis, Neb., to Joseph and Ione (Lewis) Shackelford, the oldest of five children. He attended school through the eighth grade in Ismay, Mont., and completed his GED in the military. He married Anna May Pease on July 4, 1952, in Miles City, Mont.

Mr. Shackelford served in the U.S. Navy and Air Force for 22 years. He came to Elmendorf AFB in the 1960s. After his retirement in 1970, he returned with his family to reside in Palmer.

Mr. Shackelford continued employment with Civil Service at Ft. Richardson, the City of Palmer and Matanuska Telephone Association. He retired from MTA as warehouse supervisor in 1985. Mr. Shackelford also learned to upholster furniture in the 1950s. He owned an upholstery business throughout his lifetime. His handiwork can be found across the United States and many homes in the Valley.

Mr. Shackelford joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1984. He participated in many USCG Auxiliary activities throughout the state. He became commodore and traveled nationwide, representing Alaska for the USCG. Mr. Shackelford was also a member of the Elks and Moose lodges.

His family wrote, "Jim began his life during the Great Depression and worked hard in his early years to help provide for his mother and siblings. He was very proud of his service to his country during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was the perfect example of a loving husband, father and grandfather. He taught his children to be loyal and dedicated to anything they encounter in life. He made friends everywhere he went, even during his final days in the hospital and the extended care center. His favorite place was on his boat in the Prince William Sound, so we shall take him there to rest."

Mr. Shackelford is survived by Anna, his wife of 51 years; daughter and granddaughter, Cynthia and Christina Shackelford; son and daughter-in-law, Duncan and Wendi Shackelford; and grandson Braden. Other survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Bud and Velma Shackelford of Idaho; his sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Gordon Knuths of Montana; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

The family will present memorial donations to the World War II National Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Arrangements were made by Witzleben Family Funeral Home & Crematory in Anchorage.