Mr. James “Jimmy” Henry Shelton, devoted husband of Leigh Anne Taylor Shelton, passed away Sunday, May 16, 2021, at his New Church home.
Born Aug. 12, 1949, in Salisbury, Md., he was the son of Charles Abbitt Shelton and Julia Conaway Shelton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn Hickman Shelton.
Jimmy, a graduate of the Pocomoke High School class of 1967, attended Fayetteville Tech in Fayetteville, N.C., and served in the Maryland Army National Guard for several years. He dedicated many decades to fire service with New Church Volunteer Fire Company and Oak Hall Rescue, where he held various offices and positions.
Jimmy was the president and owner of Shelton Refrigeration, which was founded by his father in 1947. Jimmy and Carolyn built a professional, well-respected, full mechanical contractor business. His truck, “Big Green,” made LOTS of service calls extending from Princess Anne, Md., to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Along the way, Jimmy’s customers became long-lasting friends. In December 2019, Jimmy retired from Shelton Refrigeration.
Jimmy is survived by his adoring wife, Leigh Anne, who shared his passion for wintering yearly in Marathon, Fla., where they spent time with good friends from Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Summers were spent at their beloved Silver Beach home, where they hosted many memorable gatherings. At Silver Beach, Jimmy, an avid lifelong fisherman, would often be found at his favorite spot, Nassawadox Creek.
Jimmy had a natural affinity for taking care of people by using his various talents, time, and resources. He enjoyed cooking, making sure his guests each had their favorite soda and snacks – there would always be a “hidden” chocolate stash which was shared.
“Genuine” describes Jimmy best – a one-of-a-kind witty, caring, selfless, generous man who truly enjoyed and loved his friends, family, and especially his grandchildren.
He is also survived by three daughters, Jennifer Shelton Barnes, of New Church, Joni Shelton Hamilton and husband, Jonathan, of New Church, and Amy Denston and fiancé, Lee Bradford, of Newark, Md.; grandchildren, Macey, Nathan, Levin, and Caroline, all of New Church, and Kayleigh, Harper, Logan, Addy, and Rylee James, al of Newark; a brother, Charles C. Shelton, and wife, Kay, of Beaumont, Texas; a sister-in-law, Sharon Taylor Allman, and husband, Bill, of Snow Hill, Md.; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and friend and assistant to the “Boss Man,” Curtis Downing, of Temperanceville.
Family and friends will gather to the graveside at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021, at the First Baptist Cemetery on Snow Hill Road in Pocomoke City. A private interment service will follow. Pastor Reid Sterrett Jr. will officiate. Casual dress is fine – Jimmy loved his colorful fishing shirts, shorts, and Skechers!
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to The Manna Cafe, www.manacafeci.org, P.O. Box 1122, Chincoteague, VA 23336, or the Food Bank of the Eastern Shore, www.foodbankonline.org, P.O. Box 518, Onley, VA 23418.
