James "Jim" Elton Shearer, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on May 6, 2025. Jim was born on December 8, 1945, and led a remarkable life filled with love, dedication, and spirited adventures.

Jim was predeceased by his loving wife Donna Shearer, his father Elton Shearer, his mother Bernice Marie Birdwell Parker, his daughter Annie Shearer; his sister Donna Sue Fowler, his brother-in-law Joe Fowler; his nephew Jimmy Joe Fowler, and his niece Lezli Suzanne Marvel.

Jim leaves behind his two daughters--Joell Baker of San Angelo, Texas and Holly Harrison of Bellville, Texas, along with Joell's husband Eric, their children Weston and Elise, and Holly's husband James and their children Elinor "Ellie" and Wynnston. He also leaves behind nephew Jeff Fowler of Lubbock, Texas, his wife Tiffany and their children, as well as niece Jodi Buchan of Lawton, Oklahoma; her husband Lance and their children, sister Kathy Shearer of Houston, Texas, sister-in-law Holly Joplin of Austin, Texas, and brother Sterling Parker of Graham, Texas. He also leaves his extended step-family from his late wife Donna, including step-children Andrew Dupree, Alexis Crawford, Rachel Beynon, and 8 combined grandchildren.

A dedicated alumnus of Angelo State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1966, Jim had an illustrious career and life with multiple prestigious organizations, and served with distinction in the United States Navy in 1968. He then worked many years in the interior design field with companies such as Charles Crawford & Associates and Mildred English Incorporated, then started his own design firm, Jim Shearer Incorporated. With Slifer Smith & Frampton in Vail, Colorado he worked in real estate, then back to Texas to start Shearer Appraisals.

Jim had a profound love for community, God, and the arts. He dedicated his time to the City Council of Vail Valley, Colorado, served as a board member of the American Society of Interior Designers and also as the director at Children's Organ Transplant Association, and was a member of Friends of McNay Art Institute and San Antonio Symphony League. His faith and prayers were very important to him, and he was a regular attendee at church and his men's Bible study group.

Those who knew Jim remember him as a man of refined tastes, great jokes, and vivacious spirit. He loved music, especially that of Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffet among others, and he had a passion for recharging by the water with good people, a cocktail or two, and a smile on his face. He was always on a mission for the "best" chicken fried steak, loved a good scotch/whisky/bourbon, was known for his formidable research skills and stances on a wide variety of subject matters, passing along memes and gifs of wisdom or the latest cure for some ailment as well as horse pictures, quotes, and the ever-popular politics. Jim had a distinct preference for westerns, Native American, and equestrian artwork and loved Texas history. His brother Sterling said it best, "Jim was born a century too late—he would have much preferred being on a horse tending to the cattle than much of what this world has to offer today". He was a man who never lost his love for nature and travelling, adoring Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, and all of Texas.

Jim had a charisma that was infectious to all around him. He loved love and believed in it most. He loved sharing stories of his children and grandbabies whom he cherished, adored, and was so proud of. He was truly a special man who had kindness and generosity that made him a grand gentleman. His legacy of laughter, love, and warmth will linger in our hearts and minds for years to come. We will miss you immensely Papa.

A memorial service for Jim will be held on June 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Harrell Funeral Home & Crematory of Kingsland. After the service there will be a slide show and refreshments before going to the Bluffton Cemetary, in Bluffton for a burial of the cremated remains. All are welcome, and we ask those who knew and loved Jim to join us in celebrating his life and the joy he brought to each of our lives. Thank you to everyone who was a part of his life and shared love and laughter with him—we know it meant the world to him.

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