He was preceded in death by Agnes Shull, mother, Harvey Shull, father, brother, Ed Shull and sister, Tommye Long.
Jim is survived by his wife, Betty Sue of Hixson, children, Gloria Soard (Tim) of Apison, J. Robert Shull, Washington D.C. and Joy Cagle (Chris) of Ringgold. He leaves behind his loving sisters, Robbie Hester of Ringgold, and Jewell Rogers of Rossville; grandchildren, Zachary Wallace, Hallie Waddell (Dawson), and Mallory Wallace, and Alexa and Alyssa Soard; great granddaughter, Hazel Waddell.
Jim worked with GAF Corp., Marshal Mize Ford as Assistant Service Manager and Body Shop as Senior Adjustor and retired following some eleven years with Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Jim attended Chattanooga High School and was a member of the last graduating class from the old 3rd Street school (1963). He also attended Lee University and the University of Chattanooga.
His military career extended from his enlistment in the U. S. Navy 1966 until his retirement in 1992. During this period he served on active and reserve duty as a Navy Corpsman for 26 years, including a tour in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Air Wing, and his last tour in 1990 – 1991 serving with Naval Construction Battalion 24 in Desert Storm. Jim was awarded some 18 medals and awards including the Navy Achievement Medal for professional achievement and leadership as the A.O.I.C. of the Chattanooga Detachment of Seabees.
Following his retirement, Jim dedicated most of his time to local Veterans organizations and assisting area veterans. Jim served as President, Chapter 203, VVA, Past Commander of Jim King American Legion Post 107, Past State District Commander, The American Legion Post 159, Past Chairman Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, Past Senior Vice Commandant and life member of the Marine Corp League, Past Vice President of the Tennessee Vietnam Veterans of America State Council, Life member of the DAV and Life member of VVA Chapter 942, Soddy Daisy, serving as the first Treasurer of the Soddy Daisy Vietnam Veterans Foundation.
As a member of Hill City Masonic Lodge #603, Jim served as Master of the Lodge in 1978 and was Treasurer for several years. He was also a member of the York Rite bodies have served in various offices.
Jim volunteered with Hospice of Chattanooga in their Veterans Honor Program for several years, paying special tribute to veterans for their military service to their country. Some of his warmest experiences was offering a “Final Salute” to veterans from all eras.
Jim was honored by the American Legion, State of Tennessee as Legionnaire of the Year, 2008, also honored by Post 107 for his leadership and dedicated service with the Commanders Award in 2007, honored by the CAVC for his leadership as Chairman, 2004-2005, and awarded the Charles H. Coolidge Veteran of the Year, 2005 by the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council. One of his highest honors came in 2010 when Jim was awarded the “Marine of the Year” by the local Marine Corps League.
Honorary pallbearers are close friends, Wayne Belk, Dennis Dent, Delbert and Lee Butler. Also Julie Devlin, Pat Street, Gary Mack and Susan Witt, all formerly of Hospice of Chattanooga, former members of Seabee Detachment Chattanooga and members of Hixson American Legion Post 159 and VVA Chapter 942, Soddy Daisy.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 pm on Tuesday, Oct 18, and 12 noon to 1 pm on Wednesday, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
The family has asked that you wear Patriotic Colors in honor of Jim at his celebration of his life service.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, at the North Chapel. Burial will be held in Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416 or www.hospiceofchattanooga.org
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
