James Ray Shaw

James R. Shaw, Columbia City, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 21 2023,  at Parkview Hospital, hospice care unit, at the age of 88.  The son of the late Melvin and Henrietta (Horn) Shaw, Jim was born in 1934, in Auburn, Indiana. 

He proudly served his country in the U.S.Navy during the Korean War and later served in the Air National Guard.  Jim and his wife, Shirley Keplinger Deem married in June 1981 in Columbia City.  They were married for over 41 years.  Jim retired in 1990 from Bond Flex Rubber Company, Columbia City, when health issues prevented him from continuing his employment.  He adapted and kept busy serving in the Columbia City V.F.W. Post #5582 honor guard, entertaining grandchildren, fishing, and completing some rather complicated woodworking projects.

In recent years, Jim used colorful pencils to complete pre-printed coloring pages with intricate designs, landscapes, and horses with all the attention to detail of an artist. Jim demonstrated strength and determination through all the days of his life.

Jim is survived by stepdaughter, Beth (Brad) Bowditch of Fort Wayne; his step- son, Darrin Deem of Auburn; four step-grandchildren, Nick (Samantha “Sam”) Ireland of Fort Wayne, Corinne Bowditch of Auburn Hills MI, Justine Bowditch of Indianapolis, and Duncan Bowditch of Fort Wayne, his sister, Judy (Shaw) Doehrman of Angola; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Shaw and Henrietta (Horn) Shaw; his wife, Shirley Keplinger Deem Shaw; brothers, Melvin (“Art”) Arlin Shaw and Merlin (“Mert”) Jack Shaw; and sisters, Brenda (Shaw) Howard and Sara Catherine (Shaw) Tracey.

Friends may call from 5:00-7:00 pm Tuesday July 25, 2023, at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday with military honors rendered by Whitley County Korean War Veterans.

Preferred memorials to Whitley County Korean War Veterans.

Private burial service to be held at a later date at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne.

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