Obituary of James Blair Shelton

James Shelton, age 78, of Lynchburg, VA, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on April 16, 2024, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Tricia Shelton, devoted daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Michael Piller (Texas); by his sister-in-law Ursula Shelton, niece Tina Shelton and husband Christopher, nephew David and wife Anna Shelton, and great nieces Oliva and Fiona Shelton (all from Germany); by his mother-in-law Audrey Jhingree and sister-in-law Janet Manners (both from Lynchburg); nephew Israel Manners (Sweden) and great nephew Brayden Manners, niece Ruby Manners (Lynchburg); and by his sister and brother-in-law Joan and Edgar Morales (New York), Brother-in-law Ciron Jhingree and Natalie LaMothe (Pennsylvania); as well as by a large, loving, extended family from New York, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Canada, and Guyana.

He was preceded in death by his father Christian C. Shelton, mother Sarah H. Shelton, dear brother John R. Shelton and sister Lillie Shelton, Uncle David Raymond Shelton, and late wife Jane H. Shelton.

James, known as “Jim,” to family and friends, was born on June 5th, 1945, in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in Salisbury. He graduated in 1963 from Wicomico High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and a Merit Scholar, a Junior Varsity Football player, Drama Club actor, Challenge Team member, and the Literary editor for the school newspaper. The friends he made during these years have remained some of his closest throughout his life.

He was an active member of Faith Alliance Church for 30 years where he also served as Treasurer and as an Elder. His biggest priorities were his faith, family, church, and closest friends, but he was most well-known for his big heart and immensely generous spirit towards anyone fortunate enough to come into his life.

He was also affectionately known for his love of good jokes, especially for telling them, often erupting into a fit of laughter before even getting to the punchline. He also had a passion for classic cars, most notably his '57 Chevy Bel Air, and enjoyed reading comic strips, such as Pickles, and Pearls before Swine, as well as reminiscing about his childhood on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. However, the thing he loved most was spending time with loved ones, especially his wife, Tricia.

After High School, he furthered his education at the University of Maryland (BS), Virginia Tech (MAcc), and Virginia Commonwealth University (Ph.D.). After working as a CPA for Arthur Anderson, he made the leap into the world of academia, becoming a Professor of Accounting for over 40 years, with more than 20 of those years spent at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.

It was during his time at Liberty where he received the first ever Modern-Day Hero Award. He was honored with this award in recognition of the many selfless years he devoted to caring for his first wife, Jane, following a stroke that left her unable to communicate or care for herself. At the time he received the award he said, “This award means more to me than all my academic awards combined.”

Despite his many academic, extracurricular, occupational, and personal accomplishments, he never boasted and always deflected attention to those around him. If you commented on his intelligence, he'd say "well you should have met my brother, he was the smart one." If you noted his tremendous love for his family, he'd tell you how blessed he was to be loved by them. If you admired his unwavering faith, he would happily share the ways in which God provided for him through the love and kindness of others, from strangers to friends.

Rest in peace, Jim. Your memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Faith Alliance Church 7808 Timberlake Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Visitation will be held on Monday April 22, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Diuguid Funeral Service & Crematory, 21914 Timberlake Rd.  Lynchburg, VA 24502