James A. Shelten

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At age 96, James led a long and full life. He was born Feb. 14 1915, near Creighton, the only son of Jim T. and Amanda (Stoll) Shelten.
He was a member of the Greatest Generation, serving in World War II, where he served in the 89th, 71st and 75th Infantry of the United States Army, and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt., and received 3 bronze stars and a Purple Heart.
After he returned from service he married Lucille (Wells) Pullen and helped her raise her three children, LaDon, Ray and Karen. He was a good father and a loving and fun-loving grandfather to their children.
James attended vocational school to learn more about farming and livestock. He became the local vet “consultant” for neighbors, and was never too busy to lend a helping hand. He loved to sing to his animals (and his grandchildren), and his rendition of “Big Rock Candy Mountain” could be heard for miles around. James and Lucille were farmers and dairy operators. After he retired he took Lucille on her dream trip to Hawaii. Other travels included attending Army reunions in Georgia, Colorado and Oregon.
James was a devoted caregiver to Lucille after she became disabled and once she became bedfast he refused to place her in a nursing home, but cared for her around the clock for several years. Lucille often made the comment that James was truly a saint.
James was very close to his sisters Rachel (now deceased) and Alma and talked to Alma every day at 1pm until the day before his death – those calls will be greatly missed by Alma. He was very happy to participate in the celebration of her 100th birthday earlier this year. He was “grandpa” to many children over the years and he looked forward to the weekly visits from Sarah, Nattie, Dane and Connor.
At age 96 James had a fall in his home and broke his hip and moved to Clinton Healthcare and Rehab Center which became his home. He continued to tease the nurses at the Center and hospital and to argue politics with Dr. Gus until his last day.
James is survived by his sister, Alma, sisters-in-law Margaret and Rose of Montana, daughters Karen and Jim, LaDon and Gordon, grandchildren Arliss, Susan, James, Billy Ray, Paula and Troy, and several great grandchildren; nephew Garey & Julie O’Bannon, niece Susan and Jim Ritter, his special family Frank and Maureen Ayler, his dear friends Frances and Loren, and many other relatives and friends. His hugs and infectious laugh will be remembered by all who knew him.
Funeral Services were held October 27, 2011 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City, Missouri.
The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the Creighton United Methodist Church.