James "Pappy" Pickering-Dovel Shearburn

James Pickering Dovel Shearburn, 70, passed away June 15, 2024. In addition to being a loving husband, father, and grandfather, James, known to family and close friends as “Pick“ or “Pappy,“ was a former team foreman at the St. Louis Forestry Department, a Marine Corps veteran, and career telecommunication sales executive.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 13, 1953, he was one of seven children of Everett Brice Shearburn,Jr. and Dudley Jean Dovel Shearburn. James grew up in South St. Louis and then the Laclede Town neighborhood. He attended Southwest High School where he excelled in multiple science disciplines, studied as a multi-instrumental musician and artist, practiced judo, competed on the high school swim team, and served in many leadership positions in the Boy Scouts of America. He attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Forestry Sciences. Upon graduation in 1976, he began working for the St. Louis Forestry Department. In this capacity, he supervised many beautification projects throughout the city of St. Louis, including the creation of the Japanese Tea Garden at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

In 1981, called to service by a selfless desire to join the United States military, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 28. Upon completing Boot Camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, James was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal, and awarded the distinction of Company Honor Man. Although initially assigned to the Marine Corps Military Police, after his outstanding performance and honorable distinction during Boot Camp, the Marine Corps selected James for participation in the Enlisted Commissioning Program. James subsequently attended Marine Corps Officer Candidate School and was awarded the distinction of Honor Graduate for his OCS class. He graduated top of his class at The Marine Basic Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia, after which he reported to duty as a communications officer at the 3rd Marine air wing in El Toro, California. He served honorably throughout the early 1980s.

Upon completion of his Marine Corps service, leveraging his prior experience as a communications officer, James entered the telecommunications field as a network manager with LDX, Inc. In 1985, he transitioned to a sales manager position with Consolidated Communications, Inc., based in St. Louis, Missouri. By June 1998, James established himself as a senior sales manager, responsible for overseeing multiple telecommunication projects throughout several universities in the midwestern United States. Between June 1998 and December 2009, James served as an Executive Vice President with Qwest Communications Inc. in the wholesale sales division. For over 10 years, he led multiple regional and national sales teams, and was responsible for average sales revenues of $400 million each year. A lifelong leader, who understood the meaning of “lead from the front,” James ensured his sales teams were technically proficient and regularly exceeded all annual sales objectives.

From 2010 to 2014 James served as an executive team member as the President of Sales and Marketing for Texas Energy Network, Inc. As a member of TEN’s core leadership team, he helped raise $35 million in equity funding that sustained company operations. He successfully identified oil and gas markets for introduction and deployment of leading-edge, wireless communications technology, and single handedly developed and led a national sales team that significantly grew company revenue from standstill.

After leaving the telecommunications industry in August 2014, James became the Community Development Officer for the Deaf Empowerment Awareness Foundation Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri. A lifelong advocate of deaf rights and social justice, James positioned himself in service to his community and generated new revenue streams for DEAF, Inc., focused on empowering the deaf community, and other underprivileged communities throughout St. Louis. James retired in June 2019 but remained closely connected to various community programs and charities throughout the St. Louis area.

James is survived by his wife of 52 years, Geneva Adelia Foster Shearburn; his two sons, Cullen Saint-Real Shearburn and Logan James Raymond Shearburn; his daughter-in-law, Lara Elizabeth Conrad-Shearburn; granddaughter Adelia Grace Shearburn; and six siblings - Everett Brice III, Thomas Fitzmaurice, Mary Helen Holley, John Woodley (Annette Allen), William Dudley (Julie), and Martha Ellen. He was adored by his granddaughter, Adelia, who was the one who began calling him “Pappy.”

A lifelong musician, James played multiple instruments in several music groups throughout St. Louis, and St. Louis County. His musical tastes spanned all musical genres. James was also a member of the Holy Redeemer Music Ministry, and helped bring songs of spiritual strength to his fellow parishioners. James’s indelible personality, sharp wit, and strong character made him a remarkable force within this family and large network of friends and colleagues. Always willing to be of service to others, James served as a pillar of support for every member of his immediate and extended family throughout his life.

James was an avid outdoorsman who shared his love of nature and Scouting with his sons and other community friends. He was a lifelong Cardinals fan, a caring and compassionate husband and father, a loving brother, and a dedicated and doting grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory to the USO, the American Diabetes Association, or the Benedictine Sisters would be greatly appreciated by his family.

A memorial will be held at the Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, Saint Louis 63109 at 11 AM. A musical event and additional memorial with take place that evening at the Webster Groves Garden Cafe at 117 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO from 7 - 9 PM. Everyone is invited to play music, share stories, and honor the beloved memory of James Shearburn. Please share a favorite memory of James for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.