James Alfred Shepherd's Obituary
James Alfred Shepherd, 80, of Memphis, TN, passed away on September 2, 2014. He is survived by Sylvia Sullivant Shepherd, his loving wife of 58 years, their three children, daughter Sylvia Lizabeth Shepherd Martin of Memphis, TN, son, James Alfred “Bubba” Shepherd, Jr., and his wife Courtney of Memphis, TN, and a daughter, Esther Ruth Shepherd McGuinn and her husband Bill of Lynchburg, VA, seven grandchildren, Mary Lizabeth “Molly” Martin of Huntington Beach, CA, 2nd Lt. USAF Henry Franklin Martin, of Columbus, MS, Harrison James Martin of Oxford, MS, John William “Jack” McGuinn, IV, of Los Angeles, CA, Samuel Alexander McGuinn of Lynchburg, VA, William Spalding Shepherd of Memphis, TN, and Caroline Chadwick Shepherd of Memphis, TN. Mr. Shepherd was born in Memphis, TN, the eldest child of his late parents John Macon Shepherd and Alexa Spalding Shepherd. He is also survived by his siblings, brother, John Spalding Shepherd and wife, Catherine of Collierville, TN, sister, Margaret Shepherd Wright and husband John of Pearl, MS, sister Mary Shepherd Bayer and husband A.C. “Buster” Bayer, of Ocala, FL, and brother Clarence Macon Shepherd and wife Sue of Tupelo, MS, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Shepherd graduated from Whitehaven High School where he served as class President for two years and excelled in sports. He remained close with his classmates throughout his life. Mr. Shepherd went on to play football in college at the University of Mississippi – Ole Miss, where he played under Coach Johnny Vaught. He graduated from Memphis State University. Mr. Shepherd served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy where he was stationed in Norfolk, VA and Brunswick, GA, and was very proud of his military service. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he went on to have a successful career in the insurance and real estate business in Memphis. Mr. Shepherd was a family man who loved spending time with family including his children, grandchildren, all of whom he greatly influenced during his lifetime. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until the service time at 2:30 p.m. Friday, September 5, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?