James Shannon

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James Russell Shannon
October 5, 1939 – August 24, 2012
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James (Jim) Russell Shannon of Waco passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 24, 2012 of complications from renal failure. He was 72. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m. at St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Waco with Father Joseph Geleney as celebrant. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at OakCrest Funeral Home on Monday, Aug. 27, from 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. The Knights of Columbus will serve as honor guards.

Mr. Shannon was born Oct. 5, 1939 in Waco, to John L. and Alma Shannon, who preceded him in death. He attended University High School and stayed in lifelong contact with several of his classmates. He graduated in 1963 from Baylor University, but was an avid supporter later in life of the University of Texas Longhorns, complete with an orange and white tattoo to commemorate a national championship football season and the Texas Fight Song as his ringtone.

Mr. Shannon was a man of many varied interests and hobbies, which led to his involvement over the years in many organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the American Genealogical Association, Friends of the McLennan County Library, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and numerous stamp clubs and pipe enjoyment clubs. Friends and family who came to visit were often invited to join him at his favorite restaurant, La Fiesta, for nachos and margaritas.

Most importantly of all, Mr. Shannon attested to his confidence and faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

Mr. Shannon was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alma Mae Shannon.

He leaves behind to celebrate his life and miss him dearly, his daughter Terri Duncan (J.D.) of Pleasanton, Calif.; his son, John Ellington Shannon (Pauli) of Crawford; eight grandchildren, Justin Duncan (Kelly), Shannon Hoel (Greg), Taylor Edgeman, and Joshua Duncan of Pleasanton, Ca., Leah Shannon-Arceneaux (Bryan) of Gonzales, La., Cory Shannon (Holly) of Newport News, Va., and Moses and Jedidiah Shannon of Crawford. He also leaves three great – grandchildren.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Mr. Shannon’s doctors and caregivers who have been so very instrumental in supporting us through this process. May the blessings that you shared with us come back to you ten-fold. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Care Net of Central Texas in Mr. Shannon’s name.