James Edward Shuler

James Edward Shuler “Jim” 82, of Knoxville passed away Thursday September 29, 2022 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center after a fall. He was born to the late Monte and Myrtle Shuler of Knoxville, TN. James was one of the oldest of 6 siblings. Early on it was known that he would take on the role of big brother. James’ family grew up in a very difficult time and area around Knoxville. Through the stories, we learned James was an adventures boy with a frequent flyer pass to the local hospital due to his many adventures and by protecting his younger siblings. A nightmare for his momma, she was always on him to straighten up. In his teenage years, he attended and played football for South High School and he met his homecoming queen, Shirley, from Young High School. After high school, Jim enlisted in the US Army Reserves where he was honorably discharged in 1962. In 1964, Jim asked Shirley to be his wife. This is where the real adventure began!

Jim always had his hands in something. He loved anything that had a motor and anything that was shined. If it was not clean you could be sure you’d get a talking to! He really loved boats, fast cars, hot rods, or trucks “coming on strong”, dune buggies, motorcycles, go carts, wave runners, and even old taxi cabs (which he took on his honeymoon to Gatlinburg). He’d do just about anything to make a life for him and Shirley.

Jim joined the Knoxville Police department and "walked the beat" of downtown Knoxville, what we know today as Market Square. He prided himself on meeting people from all walks of life which lead him to have so many faithful friends up until the day he passed. During the next phase of his life he took on the role of car dealer (and may I say, he was one of the best!) He started his professional career at the Pontiac, Downtown then eventually moved to Rogers Cadillac on Kingston Pike. During this time he was blessed with two girls, Jama and Tandy. He always made sure they had all the toys in the world, from motorcycles to just about anything they would ask. He and his family moved from South Knoxville (Arrowhead) to West Knoxville (Lonas Road) and then eventually settled in Farragut (Village Green). From Rogers Cadillac, Jim opened Shuler Construction, Shuler Floor Covering and the infamous Admiral Motors on Kingston pike next to the Frontier house (which was one of his favorite places). Once Jim closed Admiral, he joined forces with Dean Stallings Ford alongside some of his many lifelong friends (Jack, Ray, Dean, Johnny, Buddy, Mark and all the Humphrey boys). Jim continued to sell cars and eventually the “boys” from Deans moved to what is known today as Ray Varner Ford

At this time, he was granted the privilege one more time to be called Dad by a little boy (Jordan Andrew). Jordan came into the family like a quick snow storm that made the whole family stop and look at the meaning of life. As Jim would say… Don’t overlook an Iris by looking for a rose. Jordan was just that. He took Jim and the family into a whole new ballgame. This little boy brought the family back together because it was going to take a village to raise him. Just as they did in the beginning, the family started visiting beaches, going to Gatlinburg every October, ballgames, fishing, and boating. Jim started life over again at 52. In 2013, he was surprised with his first grandson (Chance Andrew). He always loved to joke with him and made darn sure “he took it with him” (inside joke). In August of 2022, he was blessed once again to be able to welcome another grandson (Brooks Cove) into his family.

In 2018, Jim decided at the age of 78 he was tired of pounding the payment and hung up his last Kelley Blue book. He knew his wife was becoming ill from Alzheimer’s and that his body was not the young man it once had been. After Jim’s retirement, he dedicated his life to taking care of Shirley. He was one strong man that stayed focused on her wellbeing until his final day.

James is survived by his wife Shirley B Shuler, his children Jama Shuler (Rick Towe), Tandy Shuler (Andy Bland), Jordan Shuler (Megan). Grandchildren Chance Miller (father Scotty Miller) and Brooks Shule. His sisters Joanne Sharpe, Martha Bornschein (Dennis) and Becky Hoffman.

The family welcomes friends for a Visitation Service on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Berry Highland South from 4:00pm-6:00pm with a Funeral Service to follow starting at 6:00pm. Friends and family will meet at Berry Highland South Cemetery on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 10:45am for an 11:00am Graveside Service.