James Shepard, 60, of Grinnell, died Saturday, Apr. 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by loved ones.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 4, from 5-8 p.m. at Eagles Club in Grinnell. Memorials may be directed to Rose Shepard and sent in care of Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, PO Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.
James was born Feb. 17, 1964, the son of Jack and Margaret (Harris) Shepard in Grinnell. He was raised in the Lynnville-Sully area and attended school there. May 21, 1982, James promised to love, honor, and cherish Rosemarie Auer at the West Liberty Church near Montezuma.
He owned Shepard Towing and was always on the go. James enjoyed many things, gun collecting, scrapping, working on 1968-1972 Chevy trucks, farming, watching old westerns, and listening to a wide variety of music – from Willie Nelson, the Eagles, to Metallica. James never forgot a face and never met a stranger. He would just “take a ride” to check in on the neighbors. James loved spending his time with his family and had a big, kind, and caring heart.
Those who will cherish his memory are his wife Rose of Grinnell; daughters Carroyl Routier of Newton and Nichole Brandon of Grinnell; three grandchildren Elijah Routier, Alice Brandon, and Oliver Brandon; his siblings Margie Lee, Jack (Kellie) Shepard, Lloyd Shepard, and Carl (Amy) Shepard; and his two corgis Gunner and Sadie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill Shepard.
