James L. "Jim" Shields

James L. Shields     “beloved husband, father and grandfather”

ALMA, N.Y.---James L. “Jim” Shields, 83, of Alma, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 23, 2017 in the Olean General Hospital, Olean with his loving family by his side.

Born on February 18, 1934 in Shinglehouse, he was a son of Clyde L. and Iva M. Mesler Shields.  On March 7, 1953 in Shinglehouse, he married Roberta A. “Bobbie” Cone, who survives.

Jim was a graduate of Wellsville High School, Class of 1952.  He was employed for forty years by the former Dresser Clark in Olean, retiring in 1996.

Jim attended Faith Bible Church in Little Genesee.  He was an avid hunter.  He loved farming, the outdoors, camping, gardening, canning, crossword puzzles and Sudoku.  His greatest love was being with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving besides his wife, whom he adored, are four children, Cindie D. (Christopher) Capito of Cuba, James J. “Jay” (Carolyn) Shields of Shinglehouse, Mary Beth (Steven) Eaton of Shinglehouse, and Laura Lee Fuller of Cuba; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Francis “Baine” Shields of Portville and Robert Shields of Alma; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by a son, William L. “Billy” Shields; a sister, Phyllis Dickerson; and two brothers, Lawrence “Larry” Shields and Richard “Dick” Shields.

Friends may call from 10am to 12:30pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 12:30pm with Pastor Ben Ramirez, of Faith Bible Church, Little Genesee, officiating.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alma Fire Department, County Road 18, Alma, NY 14708.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Jim, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com