Our beloved Jim Shepherd went to be with the Lord on October 4, 2019.  He as born in Shreveport, LA on January 2, 1949 to Boland and Louise Harvey Shepherd.

He was a 1967 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, TX.  At the age of 18, he received his Private Pilot's license by mowing yards to pay for his lessons.  Later on, he got his Pilot Instructor License and when he went to East Texas State University (Texas A & M) in Commerce, TX. where he taught ROTC students how to fly.  He graduated from East Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science-Business Administration degree and a Master of Science degree in 1973.  He had an insurance Agency with Farmers Insurance Group, worked at the District office in Tyler and trained agents. He had a Group 1 Life & Permanent Recording Agent license and Series 7, 24, 63 & 65 National Association of Security Dealers. Jim even got his truck drivers license.

Jim had always loved the Lord and he felt a call to the ministry over much of his adult life.  So at the age of 57, he went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth TX to become a chaplain.  He graduated in May, 2008.  He completed his Chaplain Residency at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, TX.  From Mother Francis Hospital, he went to Children's Medical Center and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, TX.

Jim loved to fish, hunt and play golf.  He was a gentle soul and loved to help anyone whenever he could. He was preceded in death by his father, Boland Bickett Shepherd, his mother, Louise Shepherd and his sister, Nancy Shepherd.

He is survived by his loving family including his wife, Martha Shepherd of Georgetown, TX, son, Rob Shepherd of Canyon Country, CA. and a niece, Tempi and Al Briggs of Corsicana, TX.

If desired, memorials may be made to Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 7330 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler, TX 75703.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 23rd, 2019 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler, Texas.

You may share a message or memory in the online memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com .