James Edward Shelby's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. James Edward Shelby on April 7th, 2023.
James was born on October 23rd, 1951, in Nashville, Tennessee to the late James Ethridge Shelby and Gladys M. Shelby Jones. He was a graduate of Hume-Fogg High School, class of 1970, where he was captain of the football and baseball teams. There he met the love of his life Brenda, and they were wed on July 15th, 1971. Their 52 years of marriage were full of fun and bliss, and they were each other’s whole world. For many years, he coached youth football and baseball at Shelby Park. He had a heart of gold, and repurposed secondhand football and baseball equipment for children in need. He retired after 20 years of service with Metro Public Works as a heavy equipment operator and would often lend his free time to help paint homes after a long day’s work. He also served as an usher at the Municipal Auditorium for 17 years. His pride and joy were his sons Jimmy Lee and Justin Lee, and their children and grandchildren after that. He was an outgoing, casual-dressing, sports-loving, selfless, and loving man whose legacy will live on in those who knew and loved him. His memory will be cherished for all time, and his presence will be missed.
In addition to his parents James and Gladys, he is preceded in death by his father-in-law Robert Lee Holman. He is survived by his loving wife Brenda Lee Shelby; sons James Lee “Jimmy Lee” Shelby (Kim) and Justin Lee Shelby; grandchildren Cody Larsen (Lyndsey), Brittany Stewart (James “Booner”), and Ashlee Hanson (Austin); great-grandchildren Emily, Lucy Lee, Aubrey, Michael, and Paislee; mother-in-law Carla Holman; sister-in-law Pam Taylor; niece Candice Nickens; nephew Austin Taylor; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of extended family and dear friends.
The family cordially invites relatives and friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 at Spring Hill Funeral Home from four o’clock in the evening until eight o’clock in the evening, and on Thursday, April 13th, 2023 from ten o’clock in the morning until twelve o’clock noon. A funeral ceremony will take place after Thursday’s visitation hours at twelve o’clock noon, with burial to follow at one o’clock in the afternoon at Historic Spring Hill Cemetery.
To view the livestreamed service, please click the link here: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/87025
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Caring for Covenant Fund, an organization near and dear to James’ heart: https://www.cfmt.org/giving-and-investing/become-a-donor/give-to-a-fund/caring-for-covenant-fund/
Arrangements are entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, “Where Nashville Comes to Remember.”
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