In Remembrance Of

Shawn James

Shawn James, 57, of Smithville, MO passed away, June 8, 2024.

Shawn Michael James, of Smithville, Missouri, passed away on June 8th, 2024. He was 57 years old.

Shawn was born on October 15, 1966 to Michael James and Beth (Shannon) James. He graduated from St. Pius X High School in 1985 and worked as a waiter in a number of different restaurants and hotels. Shawn liked to tell stories from his time in the food industry to make others laugh. Shawn was a life-long learner and avid reader who enjoyed various topics including family genealogy, history, political science, and fantasy/sci-fi. He liked to write letters to family and friends, was a lover of animals, and could coax a bloom from the most stubborn African Violet. Shawn maintained a deep and steadfast faith in God and enjoyed attending Grace Episcopal Church in Liberty, Missouri.

Shawn was preceded in death by his father, Michael James; maternal grandmother and grandfather, Jean and Keith Shannon; paternal grandmother and grandfathers, Anna Marie Morris, Jerry Morris, and A. Everett James; maternal uncle, Mike Shannon; uncle, Bill Vinyard; and his beloved cat, Ollie. 

He is survived by his mother, Beth James; younger brother, Patrick James and his wife, Loydena James; two nieces, Madison and Rhiannon James; maternal aunt, Kathy Atkins and her husband, Greg Atkins; paternal uncle, Everett James and his wife, Mary James; paternal aunt, Gloria Vinyard; much loved cousins; and dear friends.

Memorial Service: 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Missouri Mental Health Foundation or The Trevor Project.

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Comments & condolences

11 comments

  • Jon Payne

    I am sorry for your loss. Sending you love and prayers.

  • Joyce Stuckenschneider Olson

    Patrick and Beth, I am so very sorry to hear this news. My heart hurts for all who loved him. I had the opportunity to reconnect with Shawn when he started working at HyVee as I work there as well. I wanted you to know he spoke of you both and especially your daughters, Pat. I could tell he loved them very much. I am thankful for the conversations we had over those few months and I will always remember him fondly. Especially his wonderful hugs and the twinkle in his eyes. The friends he made at HyVee send their condolences to you as well. I am so very sorry, but know he is finally at peace and free of struggle. Much love and prayers for you all during this difficult time, especially those times when his absence is most felt. Hugs to you, Joyce

  • Lara Shaughnessy

    Beth, Pat, and Loydena – I am deeply sorry for your loss. Shawn and I shared a few happy years together when we were young, and that relationship helped shape me into the woman that I am today. I will be forever grateful for his impact on my life. I am also thankful that we were able to reconnect over the last 10 years. Shawn and I had planned to get together this July when I come to Kansas City – his last words to me, via text, were “Cool” with a sunglasses emoji. That seems fitting, but I will still miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Be comforted by the thought that he is finally at peace.

  • Ann Whitaker

    Family and friends stay in our hearts forever. May your hearts be healed knowing Shawn is resting in peace.
    My thoughts and love to the James family.
    Ann

  • Carolyn & William ForsythSo Sorry

    So sorry for your loss

  • Steven Shannon

    My condolences to the James family. Beth and Patrick, loydena and all the others. May Jesus give comfort and console to all.

  • Steven Shannon

    My condolences to the James family, Beth, Patrick and Loydena. I’m sorry for the loss of Shaun. May Gods grace be with you.

  • Sandy Littrell

    I have many pleasant memories of Shawn from my days of working for Justus drug store. And then he waited on me when Gene and I went to Justus Drug Store The Restaurant. RIP Shawn. Condolences to Beth and my friends Greg and Kathy Atkins

  • Cheryl Guengerich Smith

    Pat and Loydena,
    Wesley and I send our sincerest condolences for your loss. Although unable to be there, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Love to you all. Cheryl

  • Phil Edwards

    Sorry for your loss. Phil

  • Ken Justus

    Beth and family, so sorry for your loss.
    Rosalee and I have you in our prayers.
    We are losing too many nephews and cousins way too young.
    Cherish the memories.
    Ken and Rosalee Justus

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