James W. Shaw
Gladwin, Michigan
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”
– Winnie the Pooh (A. A. Milne)
James Wallace Shaw was born on May 20, 1928, in the City of Detroit. He was the second child of Harold and Isabelle (Wallace) Shaw. He was raised in Detroit along with his three siblings, Virginia, Harold, and Janet.
He enjoyed a childhood in Detroit, entering yo-yo contests at a local theater and raising homing pigeons he had bought at the Eastern Market. He often told the story of having to be careful who you bought pigeons from as some would sell birds which would fly right back to the seller once released, resulting in a lost bird and money.
Jim attended Cooley High School and upon graduation took a local job. After a year of working he decided he wanted more and enrolled at Michigan State University, known then as Michigan State College.
While at Michigan State he went on a blind date with a young lady named Bonnie Bailey, a date which his brother had arranged. Apparently his brother knew him well as it was this date which was the beginning of a life together for them as they married on May 16, 1953, and enjoyed 69 years of marriage.
Jim graduated from Michigan State earning his degree in Hotel and Hospitality Administration. Ultimately he began a career with Ford Motor Company, working from World Headquarters in Dearborn, writing Manufacturing Standards until his retirement.
After marriage Jim and Bonnie settled in Detroit raising three children, James, Cathleen, and David. Bonnie was an elementary teacher and returned to teaching when the family moved to Redford Township.
Upon retirement they returned to Bonnie’s hometown of Gladwin. They built a home and enjoyed many years there, active in the community until health issues required a move to an assisted living facility in Zeeland.
An early childhood injury left Jim with a fused knee, however he never let that define him. In spite of, and with the assistance and support of brother Hal, he learned to run, ride a bike, drive a car, and participate in pretty much anything he chose to do.
Jim had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed time spent on the family farm, golf, hunting, and fishing. What he enjoyed most was the camaraderie of doing those activities accompanied with family and friends.
He golfed several years with a friend in a Gladwin golf league. There were many seasons hunting deer as part of a family camp in the Dead Stream Swamp, spring fishing trips with family in Canada where he was a cherished member of the Murky Creek Crew, waterfowl hunting trips each fall to North Dakota with family and friends, and in recent years being a member of the Nine Point Hunting Lodge.
Jim was active with his church, New Beginnings United Methodist Church, holding several leadership positions over the years. He especially enjoyed being part of the Methodist Men’s Group and assisting with Second Saturday Suppers, a no cost meal served at the church where all were welcome.
Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He valued family and time spent with them. Of his many endearing character traits, his wit and sense of humor often brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to spend time with him.
Jim and Bonnie built a cottage on Lake Michigan in Leland where family gathered, and have continued to gather, for many years; especially enjoying the beautiful sunsets over the Manitou Islands, fires on the beach, collecting Petoskey stones, watching storms roll across the lake, and watching his family grow.
Jim so enjoyed children. There were several Easter Egg hunts where he would be seen wearing bunny ears and a fluffy tail, while hiding jellybeans around the yard. He, along with Bonnie, hosted “Cousin’s Week” in Gladwin where they took all the grandchildren for a week of fun, including float trips down the river, putt-putt golf, trips to the county fair, yo-yo lessons, and ice cream from the local shops.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie, parents Harold and Isabelle, his sister Virginia, his brothers-in-law Gene Hibbard, Jack Jensen, and Ellis Phillips. He is survived by his children James (Deborah) Shaw, Cathleen (Kevin) Malotka, David (Linda) Shaw, grandchildren Shannon (Christopher) Gerhardt, Kelly (Justin) Koehn, Keller Shaw, Katelynn (Pierce) Youatt, Christopher Shaw (Dani Ward), and Kamryn (Nathan) Mack, and great-grandchildren Bryn and Graham Gerhardt, James and Jaclyn Koehn, Keegan Shaw, Clyde Youatt, Oliver Mack, and a great-granddaughter due in August.
He is also survived by his brother Harold (Marilyn) Shaw, sister Janet Hibbard, sister-in-law Emma Jean Phillips, and sister-in-law Darlene (J. Charles) Wolohan, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Lee Ramsay Funeral Home in Gladwin on Friday, June 2nd from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Jim’s funeral will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June 3rd at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.
Upon Jim’s passing the one resounding word family heard from family and friends expressing condolences was Jim’s kindness. As a memorial, family suggests any act of kindness, contributions to the charity of your choice, or the Gladwin Office of Aging as they provided wonderful support during his and Bonnie’s final years.
Jim’s family would especially like to thank the incredible staff at the Royal Atrium Inn, Zeeland, for the wonderful care provided to both Bonnie and Jim during their final chapters.
