James Shelton

James "Jim" Albert Shelton passed away on November 9, 2021, in Dallas, TX. Jim was born in Wichita Falls, TX. After high school he joined the Army and became an air traffic controller in France during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home he became a police officer with the Wichita Falls Police Department. He was instrumental in solving many important cases and quickly rose through the ranks. While at the police department he graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.  After spending over twenty years on the police force, he retired as a Major.

Upon moving to Arlington, TX, he began working for the North Texas Council of Governments as the manager of law enforcement and regional training. He will be remembered as an excellent instructor and for his morning meetings at Bob Evan's with his staff. When Jim decided to retire from law enforcement altogether, he worked briefly for Delta Airlines and enjoyed traveling the world. After the events of September 11, 2001, he worked for the Transportation Security Administration and enjoyed being a mentor to the next generation, then retired after years of dedicated service. Jim attended Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls and received his Bachelors in Criminal Justice and his Masters in Political Science.

Jim enjoyed volunteering at the DFW National Cemetery for over ten years. He loved to ride his motorcycle, listen to the music of Chris Stapleton and watch his favorite football player, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Beth Ann” Shelton of twenty years; his children, David (Carolina) Shelton, Robin (Craig) Lile, Tammie (David) Bishop, Lauren (Michael) Hargrove, Amber (Carl) Chancellor, Misty Shelton, Jason Newman and Christina Ringhausen; niece, Debbie Shelton; and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of the last statements Jim made to his chaplain was, “I love my family.”

Jim is predeceased by his nephew James “Jim Bob” Robert Shelton. Jim Bob was by his “Unc” Jim’s side faithfully for many years. They enjoyed lots of laughs together.

Hospice Plus in Terrell, TX, and Dallas VA Hospice took excellent care of Jim in his final chapter of life. T and T—better known as Tonya Foy and Latasha Ridge—lovingly dubbed Jim and Beth Ann “Todd” and “Julie,” after characters in the series “Chrisley Knows Best.” Our tears were turned into laughter. Thank you to hospice for your love, care and concern.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Terrell Animal Shelter, 2601 US 80, Terrell, TX 75161; or to Genesis Center, 2675 TX 34, Kaufman, TX 75142.

The service will be held December 2, 2021, at 10 a.m. at the DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX with The Patriot Guard Riders present.