SERVICE DETAILS UPDATED: Celebration of Life at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church, Georgetown with a Reception to follow in the McKinney Center.

James Lloyd Shepherd passed away at his home in Georgetown, TX, on Father's Day – June 18, 2023. James died as he lived: with grace and dignity, strength and patience, surrounded by his loving family. As we grieve his death, we also celebrate his life and recognize how fitting it was for him to depart when he did. James "GranGran" was a father figure to so many. His calm, steadfast, gracious presence – through any circumstances – truly exemplified fatherhood.

James was born on September 29, 1932, in Doucette, TX, to Edith "Little Mom" and Carl "Big Daddy" Shepherd. His dedication, intelligence, and quiet leadership was evident early on. He was Valedictorian of his high school in Woodville, Texas, and later graduated with honors from the pre-med program at Baylor University. During his time at Baylor, James met Judy Wilson, and the rest -- as they say -- is history. She became his lifelong tennis partner – their husband/wife doubles duo was ranked first in the state at one time. Judy was the spring in his step, the yin to his yang, the absolute love of his life. They were married in Judy's hometown, Carrizo Springs, TX, in 1955 – on a day so hot the candles melted. Their marriage of 68 years revealed to all who knew them what a true, committed, loving partnership looks like.

The newlyweds moved to Galveston, where James attended medical school at UTMB, continuing his path of academic excellence. Afterward, the two moved to San Antonio for James's internship at Brooke Army Hospital and then orders took them to Ulm, Germany, where James served as surgeon on staff at the military hospital. James's gentle, compassionate manner made him an excellent doctor, but it also uniquely qualified him for his most cherished role, that of a loving father. His family first began to grow in San Antonio, where James and Judy's son Mark was born, and then in Ulm, where their daughter, Julia, arrived in 1961.

As the end of James and Judy's term in Germany approached, Dr. Douglas Benold and Dr. Hal Gaddy looked around their growing community of Georgetown, TX, and realized they desperately needed help. They recruited James, sight unseen, based on his excellent reputation. Legend has it that, arriving back in the States, James never even asked about his salary. The family came with faith and trust, arriving in Georgetown in 1962. James and Judy's youngest, Steven, was born after their arrival in 1964. Thus the family's roots in the community began to spread, deep and wide, and continued through their six decades of loving presence here.

The three doctors built a thriving family practice, known for its strong commitment and care to all patients. They established Georgetown's first EMS service, as well as a nursing school that was the first integrated school in Georgetown. The partners worked together, first to expand Georgetown's hospital system and then to spearhead the building of our existing hospital. As managing healthcare became more complex, the doctors selected Ken Poteet to serve as its first and only hospital administrator until becoming St. David's Hospital Georgetown. Through it all, Polly Prude, Dr. Shepherd's nurse, friend and neighbor, worked by his side. Known for her compassion and loyalty, she always insisted she would not retire until he did. But after Polly's death in 2000, Dr. Shepherd still had important work to do.

In 2000, at the urging of Georgetown community leaders, James joined with his daughter-in-law, Dr. Jane Shepherd, and Dr. Doug Benold to provide affordable primary health care for Georgetown's most vulnerable populations. Originally called Georgetown Community Clinic, the organization is now the Lone Star Circle of Care, which continues the original mission of serving marginalized populations in Georgetown.

Dr. Shepherd did eventually retire from practicing medicine (in 2007), but he continued to serve the community he loved. His dedication to and generosity in the Georgetown community have been apparent in both big and small ways. He served on the board of directors for the Georgetown Project, an umbrella organization that connects youth to needed services in Georgetown as well as being instrumental in establishing and supporting the Stone Haven Senior Center which provides housing for low-income elderly. James's longtime interest in real estate enabled him to donate land to the Boys and Girls Club and the Georgetown Hospital, as well as to Habitat for Humanity. In fact, the Georgetown HfH development is named "Shepherd's Village" in his honor. James and Judy started the Georgetown chapter of PFLAG and managed the organization for 5 years. Together, they have been political activists and allies of the marginalized and underprivileged, working to foster a world where all people can thrive.

James Loyd Shepherd was a doctor, a philanthropist, a poet, a mentor, a loving father figure – not just to family members but to many, many others. Although he was a man of few words, his actions and his life have communicated volumes. He was a model for living an active life and could often be found on the tennis court or the golf course with his friends, Walt, Claude, Joe, and Herb. He taught us all the importance of seeing the light, being the light, and sharing the light with everyone around us. James remained interested in learning and engaged with the world around him even as it changed over time. He and Judy have done the vital work of helping to build a community in Georgetown where all can live a life they have reason to value. May we continue his legacy of love and care for the people of Georgetown and Texas.

James lives on in the hearts and minds of all whom he has touched – especially his wife, Judy Shepherd; their surviving children and spouses: Mark and Jane Shepherd, Julia and Kerry Minzenmayer, Debbie Shepherd, widow of son Steve, and adopted son, Jason Jefferson; his grandchildren and their spouses: Nick Minzenmayer, McKenzie and Preston Milburn, Natalie and James Poulos, Trevor Shepherd, Kurt Minzenmayor, Hannah Shepherd and Matthew Normyle, Kevin Shepherd, and Erick Shepherd; his great-grandchildren: Evan, Luke, Alex, and Nora; his sister, Margaret McBride and her family; his little dog, Dolly; and many friends, neighbors, and former patients.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity Williamson County, PFLAG, or any local organization that benefits those who are historically underserved. The family expresses sincere gratitude to Rodney Kullenberg-Grant and Tranquility Health for their kindness and care.