James Gibson Shelton

James Gibson Shelton, 67 of Abilene, passed away Sunday May 6, 2012 at Hendrick Medical Center. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Saturday May 12, 2012 at Elmwood West United Methodist Church Sanctuary with a time of visitation to follow in the fellowship hall. Services are under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.

James Gibson Shelton was born to Jesse and Doyce Chapman Shelton on March 3, 1945 in Pampa, Texas. He grew up in Pampa and graduated from high school there. He met the love of his life, Candace Noblitt, at an early age and in 1964 at the age of 19 he married her. In 1968 James graduated from the North Texas State University with a degree in secondary education and shortly after that, went to work for the Muenster ISD teaching high school English, History and P.E. After two short years of teaching, James left and went to work for the Cabot Corporation where he worked for 12 years in various positions. He advanced with the company and although he had achieved a level of financial success he decided to return to his true passion, teaching, in 1982.

During his career in public education that spanned three decades, James had a tremendous impact on many people's lives. He was a classroom teacher, a principal, and a mentor to many students and teachers alike. James was a life-long learner who had two Masters Degree's, multiple certifications, and had nearly completed his Doctorate before his health began to decline.

Outside of teaching James loved spending time with his family and proudly referred to his grandchildren as the "five most amazing grandchildren in the world". James loved music. He learned to play the piano at an early age and then taught himself how to play the organ which was a skill he put to great use for a number of years as Music Director for his church, Elmwood West UMC. Being an active part of the community was also important to James so he served on the Board of Directors for the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum in Abilene. He also was very active in establishing the Abilene Federation of Teachers, a local organization that helped teachers have a voice in Local, State, and Federal politics.

James used his life to make a difference, with his family, in his church, in his community and in the lives of the children he taught. What a Teacher is, is more important than what he teaches - Karl Menninger.

Surviving James are his wife of 48 years Candace Shelton, a daughter, Ashley Sites and husband Michael of Hawley, five grandchildren; Jon Hardesty, Shalisa Sites, Chris Hardesty, Anthony Sites and Jesse Sites, a sister, Jerry Shelton Clark, a brother, George Shelton, a sister-in-law Sandra Noblitt and two brothers-in-law; Michael and Mark Noblitt, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, two Dachshunds, Marley and Leo and a host of friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister, Bunny Hukill, a brother-in-law, Jack Clark, and his mother-in-law, Frances Dement.

Flowers would be greatly appreciated but donations may be made in honor of James to the Elmwood West United Methodist Church - Worship Fund, 1302 S Pioneer Dr, Abilene, TX 79605. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.