James P. (Jim) Shannon, 70

Published 10:46 am Tuesday, January 19, 2016

James P. Shannon, 70, of Lake Dallas, Texas, passed away Jan. 5, 2016, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester after a courageous sixth-month battle with an incurable bone infection.

Shannon

Jim was born April 21, 1945, in Winnebago, to Harry and Agnes (Nichols) Shannon. In 1956, the family moved to rural Spring Valley. After graduation from SVHS in 1963, Jim enlisted in the Army.

In May of 1965, he began working for IBM in Rochester. In November of 1965, Jim suffered injuries from a car accident which resulted in a long hospital stay and left him paraplegic. Although Jim spent 50 years using a wheelchair, this did not deter him from accomplishing his goals. He was always able to rise above adversity – never accepting defeat and never considering himself handicapped. He continued working for IBM and also attended technical school after his release from the hospital. In 1986, he transferred to Dallas, Texas. After 37 years with IBM he retired in 2002. For several years Jim continued to do consulting work as an information technology specialist.

In July of 1989, he and Mary Williams (Sanders) were married. They made their home in Lake Dallas, Texas, along with her youngest son Bradley.

Over the years Jim enjoyed snowmobiling, football (Cowboys), fishing, traveling, country music, and most of all good times with his many friends. During their marriage Jim and Mary enjoyed tent camping, horse races at LA Downs, and traveling throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. They also attended many auctions – which led to selling antiques and collectibles on eBay for several years. Jim was interested in genealogy and spent many hours researching their families’ history.

In 1998, they purchased an acreage near Ostrander, Minnesota, and began restoring the 1880’s farmhouse. After retirement they divided their time between Minnesota and Texas.

While in Texas, Jim devoted much of his time to the American Legion Post 88 and the 40 & 8 (a Veterans organization). Over the years he held almost every office at the Legion including commander and adjunct. He served as Grand Chef De Gar of Texas (state commander) of the 40 & 8. Jim also held a national office as well as serving as Chef De Gar of Local Voiture 1601. He and Mary attended many regional and state conventions.

Jim is survived by his wife Mary; his sister Marylou Wangen; his brother Richard; Mary’s children: Todd, Vicky, Jennifer and Bradley; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Lucy Shannon, Linda Sanders, Bonnie Sanders and Carol White; brothers-in-law: Harold Sanders and John Sanders; many nephews and nieces; and his beloved cat Ollie.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Ray Jeffries; brothers-in-law: Gene Wangen and Steven Sanders; and his mother-in-law Doris Sanders.

At Jim’s request a celebration of life service will be held at the American Legion in Lake Dallas, Texas, this spring. Condolences or memorials may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 34, Ostrander, MN 55961.