James “Jim” Carl Shields, 81, of Weatherford, Texas, passed away on February 4, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on September 20, 1944, in Denver, Colorado, to James Parker and Nella Mona Shields. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1962 and attended Colorado State University for a short time, where he met his future wife, Kay Schrimsher, in their freshman English class.

Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965, proudly serving his country for four years. His service took him to San Antonio, Texas; Duluth, Minnesota; and Korea. Jim and Kay were married in July 1966.

The couple spent several years in Colorado, where Jim served as ski patrol at Breckenridge and Copper Mountain. They welcomed their first daughter, Kim, in 1974. In 1975, they moved to Burlington, Colorado, where Jim discovered his lifelong love of farming. In 1980, one year after the birth of their second daughter, Katie, they relocated to Moriarty, New Mexico.

In New Mexico, Jim established a farm and began raising Certified Red Angus cattle. Jim and Kay lived in Moriarty for more than 30 years, during which time Jim became a beloved and well-known member of the community. He spent many mornings sharing coffee and conversation with local farmers and ranchers at El Comedor. Jim worked as a local real estate broker, served on the Moriarty City Council, and later became the Torrance County Tax Assessor, retiring in 2009.

Following retirement, Jim and Kay embraced their love of travel, RVing throughout the United States and Canada. The highlight of their travels was a summer-long stay in Alaska in 2010. In 2014, they moved to Weatherford, Texas, continuing their adventures from their new home base.

Together, Jim and Kay raised two daughters and built a life centered on family, hard work, and community.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kay Shields; daughter Kim Casey and her husband, Todd; daughter Katie Walker and her husband, Drew; and two grandsons, JT and CJ. He is also survived by cousins, nephews, and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Parker Shields, and his mother, Nella Mona Shields.

Jim enjoyed fishing, camping, and RVing; watching his nephews and grandsons play sports; and giving back to his community through Meals on Wheels, Wounded Warriors, and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

A celebration of life will take place on March 20, 2026, 2-4 pm at R&K Cafe on Santa Fe, 1802 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Jim’s memory with a donation to one of the organizations closest to his heart: Wounded Warriors or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

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