Obituary of James Ray Shepard

Mr. James Ray Shepard, 76, of Purlear, went home into the arms of his heavenly Father, on April 11, 2010, at Watauga Medical Center, Boone, NC. Jim is the son of Donald Ellsworth Shepard and Mildred Rae Briggs Shepard. Jim was born on June, 18, 1933, in Bismarck, North Dakota. Jim enjoyed SCUBA diving so much that he became a Dive Master, at a time when most people were happy to slow down. Jim enjoyed crossword puzzles and staying active. He was employed, for almost 20 years, with Shell Oil Company where, among other titles, he worked as a Workover and Production Superintendent. Later, Jim work for Mitchell Energy and Seatreat Offshore Water Makers, in The Woodlands, TX. He will forever be loved and missed and always in our hearts. Survivors include his wife, Judie Moser Shepard; a son, James Donald Shepard, of West Columbia, TX.; a daughter, Diane Shepard Saleme, of Houston, TX.; three grandchildren, Hannah Rae Shepard, Dylan James Shepard and Vincent Anthony Saleme. Jim was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, Isaac Elba Shepard. The family requests memorials to The American Cancer Society and/or The American Lung Association. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com