In Memory
On January 31, 2013 Susan Morgans reported that Barry Eby informed her that Jim died of lung cancer a few months ago. We have no other information at this time.
Bob Niebaum, our Co-Administrator, has located the Obituary for Jim which follows:
Deceased Classmate: James Kenneth Shannon, Jr.
Date Of Birth: February-15-1947
Date Deceased: October-25-2012
Age at Death: 65
Cause of Death: Lung cancer
Classmate City: Plantation
Classmate State: FL
Classmate Country: USA
Survived By: Jim is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughters Amy (Jason) Spector and Susan (Fred) Maxik and five grandchildren, Ian, Emily, Dylan, Zachary, and Sam.
James Kenneth Shannon Jr. Shannon, James Kenneth Jr., 65, of Plantation, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2012. Born February 15, 1947 in Pittsburgh, PA, Jimmy, as he was known as a child, grew up surrounded by family, playing sports, and following his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Upon completing college, Jim moved to Fort Lauderdale and found a job as a high school mathematics teacher and football coach. It was there, Nova High School, that he would meet the cheerleading coach and his future wife, Brenda. They wed in 1972 and had two daughters, Amy and Susan. Together, their family would enjoy yearly road trips in their van: no matter the destination, the journey was always the real treat. He and Brenda would remain happily married for forty years, weloming two sons-in--law and five beautiful grandchildren to their family. During those years, Jim became "Honey", "Dad", and "Pap Pap" and was the living example of a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and an overall great man. He ended his two-year battle with cancer on October 25, 2012. Jim is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughters Amy (Jason) Spector and Susan (Fred) Maxik and five grandchildren, Ian, Emily, Dylan, Zachary, and Sam. He will always be a hero to those who knew him best and will last forever in their hearts. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations go to National Lung Cancer Partnership or Hospice at www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org/donation, or www.vitascharityfunds.org. Arrangements entrusted to Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremations Center, Wilton Manors, FL. Online condolences at kalismcintee.com. Published in Sun-Sentinel on October 30, 2012.
Michael D Roberts
Jim played opposite me on the football team and I shall always remember our spirited Tuesday scrimmages. He was a great competitor and team mate.
Susan L Fleming (Morgans)
Jim and I never dated steadily, but we were good friends and had many fun dates. He was fun, funny and always a gentleman, at least to me. I always hoped to see him again and am happy to know he had a great wife and family. Funny how you can feel so sad about the loss of someone you have not seen for 45 years. I guess that means high school really is an important time in life!
Dennis Devlin
Jim, myself and Jack Sullivan almost lived together in Jimmy's red Chevy convertible (actually his Mom's). We had a great friendship and enjoyed a number of things together. I can never forget visiting Jim, Eb and Jimmy Maurice in El Paso as college freshman.....can't relate any details.....but what a wild weekend. I loved Jim like a brother and although we have not seen each other in over 45 years I have always had great memories of him. My deepest condolences to his family.
Barbara Wright (Renthal)
Jimmy and I went steady most of our junior year and boy do I remember that red convertible!! We drove down to the McDonalds in Castle Shannon to share an order of 10 cent fries whenever we could scrape up the money and he was just a generous, sweet hearted gentleman. As is common with 16 year old kids, our relationship ended in misunderstanding and bad feelings, and I always looked for him at our reunions hoping to sit down and get reacquainted with our adult selves. Alas, he never returned to the Lebo reunions that I attended, but I am so happy, and not surprised, that he was a great husband and father and had a happy life. Well the math teacher part is maybe a little of a surprise!
I just lost my husband James, after over 40 years together, and so fully understand Brenda's grief. I can only send my sympathy to Jimmy's family and congratulate him for a life well lived.