James Shaw, age 82, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away in his home on Thursday, January 6, 2022, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Jim was born and raised in Westchester County, New York, the son of parents Olive and Dr. Edison Shaw, and brother to Stacy.

Jim was an entertaining, quick-witted, personable man; a natural storyteller of notable intellect. He had the "gift of gab!" It was apropos that he'd become a public speaker, as he was a confident communicator. These qualities served him well in all areas of his life, especially while working in the service industry. He managed restaurants and bars in Florida and New York, including a country-western bar in NYC. He also managed a resort hotel in Rhode Island and he was managing a Dude Ranch in the Catskill Mountains when he met his wife, Liz in 1978.

Jim was also entrepreneurial: in his late 20s, he was a partner in a small charter airline that catered to people traveling to the Caribbean Islands; and later, in his 40s he began an estate planning firm which he owned and operated for twenty-four years until his retirement. Jim excelled at sales. While working with insurance companies, he had earned a place at "The Conference of Leaders" year after year and was often ranked in the top ten. These conferences were held all over the world and he was able to attend in Canada, throughout Europe, on Princess cruises, and exotic island locations. He shared these amazing travel opportunities with his family.

In early adulthood, Jim served honorably in the Army. It was there that he began skydiving, and interest that he also pursued outside the military. He made over 1,100 jumps and had achieved the highest skill level, a D license through the United States Parachute Association. He enjoyed the camaraderie of group activities and over the years he was involved in rodeo, the Verde Vaqueros, and team penning. Although he enjoyed the competition of the latter, he was most proud of his daughter's success in the sport. They traveled all over the country to compete in events together. When he lived in San Diego, he became totally immersed in sailing. In 1985, it was Jim's idea to be married to Liz on a sailing yacht.

His other interests included golfing: on the greens with a great group of guys and later on the computer, where he was able to interact with people from all over the globe. He liked car racing: watching his son succeed at go-karting events or watching NASCAR on tv. He followed sports teams and politics, was patriotic, and enjoyed listening to marching band music. Sometimes he could be outspoken…maybe even opinionated…but the majority of the time he was easygoing. Two of his favorite comments were: "Let's not make a hasty decision" or "Let's have a cocktail and think about it." (preferably cheap vodka and Sunny Delight.)

He fought hard against the COPD, but as it began to worsen, he accepted the changes with courage and grace-and with his sense of humor intact: when receiving help to dress he'd say "It'll cost you a nickel for a peek!"

Jim was devoted to his family and was extremely proud of his children. He was their foundation and his loss is immeasurable. He is survived by his daughter, Lindsay, his son, Jesse, and his wife, Liz; his in-laws, nephews, nieces, friends, from every walk of life, and his dog, Nahla. Thank you to all who shared in his life, including doctors, nurses, and hospice caregivers. He will be missed.

Jim was a good man…Let's have a cocktail and think about him.