Archived Services

James Joseph Shields
09-01-2020

James J. Shields was born on November 17, 1934 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He passed away September 1^st in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

In 1952 while attending Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, Jim laid his eyes on in his words, "The prettiest girl I had ever seen." Her name was Yvonne Hill. For Jim it Love at first sight! They soon began a three year courtship. 

On February 3, 1952 Jim joined The Naval Reserves. While in The Reserves Jim and Vonnie got married on November 29, 1955. He was Honorably Discharged in 1960.

In 1956 Jim joined The Wayne Township Fire Department. He spent 35 years fighting fires and training. He spent about twenty years as a volunteer with The Red Cross. Jim was one of the founders of The South Dakota Emergency Technicians Association. He was the first Secretary for this organization.

Jim is survived by his wife: Vonnie; four children: Kim, Raymond, Stephen, and Becky; a sister: Sharon Hunter; six grandchildren: Shawntel, Michael, Shavon, Maria, Brandy, and Robert; eleven great-grandchildren: Lucas, Keira, Mason, Jordan, Jordyn, James, Abby, Xavier, Syennah, Blaine, and Gage; plus a host of other relatives and friends.

Jim we Love you...............You will be missed by us all!

Visitation with family present will be Monday, September 7, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, September 8, 2:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. All services will be live steamed at barnett-lewis.com. Masks are required.