James Shepherd

James E. Shepherd, age 86, Dunkirk, died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, following an illness. 

Born in Indianapolis on Oct. 13, 1938, he grew up in Edmonton, Kentucky, and attended school there before moving back to Indiana. He was a resident of Dunkirk for several years and worked at Indiana Glass Co. until its closure. 

Jim attended Gospel Lighthouse Tabernacle in Dunkirk. He, along with his wife and others, sang in a traveling gospel group known as The Singing Shepherds for 20 years. He belonged to the local glass union and was a big University of Kentucky fan. 

Jim enjoyed working on electronics — especially old stereos, going out for breakfast and socializing with friends; most importantly, he cherished spending time with family.

Survivors include his sons Mike Shepherd (wife: Cindy), Redkey, and Brian Shepherd (wife: Nicci), DeSoto; grandchildren Ashley Taylor, California, Casey Croyle (husband: Tim), Shreveport, Louisiana, Autumn Marcum (husband: Duane), Dunkirk, Elias Shepherd (wife: Anika), Tampa, Florida, and Garrett Shepherd (wife: LeAnna), Dunkirk; honorary grandson Jayden Watson, Dunkirk; great-grandchildren Blaze Shepherd, Kynleigh Shepherd, Layne Croyle, Khloe Croyle, Garriksyn Shepherd, Odin Croyle, Waylon Shepherd and Cassandra Shepherd; and special friends Kelly and Dan Watson.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Rema J. Shepherd, who died in 2021; and James and Lillie Syra who raised him.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Meacham Funeral Service. Cremation will follow with future burial at Center Cemetery near Portland.

Visiting hours are Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be given at MeachamFuneralService.com.