James Earl Shepard

James Earl Shepard, 72 of Ridgedale, was born on September 5, 1945 in Orville, California.  He was the son of Willard & Myrtle (Owen) Shepard.  His family moved to Taney County when he was a toddler.  James worked for Royal Oak Charcoal as a driver along with being a hunter and trapper.  James was also a skilled woodworker and enjoyed building bird houses and feeders.  He married his loving wife Ruth on March 11, 1972.

James entered into rest on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 in Branson at Cox Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gene Shepard.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Shepard of Ridgedale; sons, Alfred Shepard of Ridgedale, Vince Shepard of Rockaway Beach, Willie Shepard of Ridgedale and Gabe Shepard and wife Melissa of Ridgedale; brothers, Wayne Shepard and Glen Shepard; sisters, Rosanna Herbert and husband Bub of Buffalo, MO, Norma Cunningham and husband Kenny of Springfield, Pam Pfrommer of Cedarcreek; five granddaughters, three grandsons and one great granddaughter.

Visitation will be Thursday evening, January 4 from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.  Funeral services will be Friday, January 5 at 10:00 A.M. in the funeral home with Pastor Billie Rogers officiating.  Burial will follow in Nickerson Cemetery in Kimberling City.

Memorials may be made to Missouri Council of the Blind, 5453 Chippewa, St. Louis, MO 63109.

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