James "Jim" Lee Shepherd

October 30, 1948 — April 5, 2024

Marshall

James "Jim" Lee Shepherd, 75, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024 at home
surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on October 30, 1948 to Elzie and Trennie (Hall) Shepherd in Marshall, Michigan.
Jim was a graduate of Marshall High School and lifelong Marshall resident. He was inducted into the
United States Army in June of 1968 and was honorably discharged in June of 1970. While serving in the
Army he attained the rank of SP4 and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Sharpshooter and the
Good Conduct Medal.
Jim started his working career in 1967 at St. Regis folding carton plant in Marshall, Michigan where he
earned his Journeyman Mechanic's certificate. In 1978 he transferred to the St. Regis Fountain Street Mill
working in the machine room. Jim retired in 2016 from the paper mill to to enjoy time with his wife,
Christine (Hastings) Shepherd who he married in July of 1993 in Battle Creek, Michigan at a small, quiet
ceremony.
Taking correspondence courses in electronics (making his own television from scratch) and lock smithing
(earning his certification) he expanded his skills and was always working on repairing equipment, and
taking on other projects around the house. Jim was very skilled at construction and was very mechanically
inclined. There was nothing he couldn't fix and even built the home that they currently reside in. Jim
loved to fish, hunt, garden, help family and friends as well as make fudge for the holidays. Above all else,
he loved his family and having family get together's. He was the man anyone could count on to help them
repair their home, fix a tractor or lend a hand with any task they needed help with. Jim was also an animal
lover and in his retired years has helped his wife to rescue and care for orphaned kittens.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Christine Shepherd, his children; Gerald (Lisa) Shepherd,
Tamara Hastings; his grandchildren, Brandon (Stephanie) Ray, Bree (Zack) Rathbun, Lance Adkins, Aryn
Adkins and Andrick Kelly; as well as several great grandchildren and his sisters, Brenda (Dale) Schiesser
and Kathy Shepherd.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Junior and John Shepherd, his sisters; Carol
Vandenburg and Betty Sparks.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter (165 Union St. S, Battle Creek, MI
49004) or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (PO Box 22324 New York, NY 10087).
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N,
Marshall, Michigan 49068.
Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to
leave the family condolences.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" Lee Shepherd, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

James "Jim" Lee Shepherd

October 30, 1948 — April 5, 2024

Marshall

Guestbook