James Shelton

BLODGETT, Mo. -- Jim Shelton entered a new life in Heaven Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at the age of 67 in SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family. The oldest son of four children of Vernon and Vernice James Shelton, Jim was born Jan. 3, 1953, on a Blodgett farm, where he spent his whole life. Jim was baptized in the Blodgett Baptist Church.

Early education was obtained in the Blodgett School with high school completed at Kelly High School, where he made some lifelong friends and received hands-on education working on the farm with his father. Education remained important to Jim as he insured that his sons all received a college degree.

As he grew older his circle of friends included a certain Denise Jansen, daughter of George and Louise Jansen from the Kelso, Missouri, area. Their friendship evolved into an engagement and marriage in St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso on April 8, 1978. They set up housekeeping in Jim's childhood home and raised their three sons. Although their religions differed, they found harmony in family life and education so important to Jim and Denise.

As his need for employment changed, Jim held a position with Unilever Ice Cream Plant for 12 years until retiring early this year. Although it was very different from farming the previous 32 years, he was a faithful employee making even more friends. Farming can never be replaced in a farmer's heart.

Jim was a loving spouse to the love of his life, a caring father to his sons and their families, a sensitive relative to family and acquired family, and a faithful friend to many. Jim, his sons and wife shared so many things: farming, dove and deer hunting, activities and socializing. His special joys were spending time with all of them, especially the grandchildren and his special furry friend, Ruger. His presence will be sorely missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Denise Shelton; three sons, Brian (Shea) Shelton and their daughter, Sloane, of Caruthersville, Missouri; Patrick (Amy) Shelton and their daughters, Kaylee and Ava, of New Hamburg, Missouri; and Chris Shelton of Benton, Missouri. Also surviving are his two sisters, Donna Jean (Wayne) Friend of Sikeston, Missouri, and Linda Jo (Gene) Nussbaum and their children, Diana (Chris) Davolt and Gregg, of Unionville, Missouri; and brother, Mike Shelton and his sons, Matthew, Adam and Nicholas, of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston, where a funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Interment will follow in the Blodgett City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ryan Koch, Ryan Thomure, Blake Wethington, Alex Ross, Jim Eftink and David Klueppel.

Masks and social distancing are suggested.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.