James Alton Shaw - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

James Alton Shaw

September 26, 1956 - January 24, 2025

James Alton Shaw was born September 26, 1956, in Wilmington DE, the second of five children born to Joyce (Karlson) Shaw and Jay D. Shaw, who predeceased him in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Jim passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, after a short illness.

He was a 1975 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and in 1976, moved with his family to Portland, TX. He remained there for nearly two years before returning to Delaware, residing in Newark for the rest of his life.

Jim was a gifted auto mechanic, created silk screens to make tee shirts on-site for sale at concerts and festivals and an all-around Mr. Fix-it, but spent his career with B&E and Shone Lumber, as a salesperson and manager and was named Top Salesman multiple times. After his retirement in December 2023, he worked part time as delivery man for AutoZone.

Jim took up bicycling in middle age and devoted himself to the sport, logging thousands of miles – and a few injuries – every year. When he was not on his bike, he was taking road trips with his wife and constant companion of more than twenty years, Terry (Turnbaugh) Shaw in a series of automobiles he owned. The couple enjoyed visiting historic sites and parks, gardens, antique stores, city markets, Pennsylvania Dutch Country and never missed an Arden Fair. They especially loved car shows where he could talk shop with fellow classic vehicle enthusiasts; he spent countless hours restoring his 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.

Jim’s love for animals began in childhood and he was never without a pet – or two or three.  He had a special place in his heart for rescues, and they were equally devoted to him. He enjoyed watching sports and alternatively cheering on and griping about the Flyers, the Eagles and the Phillies. He never forgot a birthday and his siblings could count on receiving a card every year, usually early.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Terry; daughter, Kathleen D. “Katie” Shaw; stepchildren, Nancy J. Smith and Don Hammons; siblings, Kay West, Carolyn French, Linda O’Donnell and Ken Shaw; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services and interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc., PO Box 422, Kimberton, PA 19442 or by clicking here.

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9 Condolences for James Alton Shaw

  • Dearest Katie … I am so sorry for your loss … I am at a loss of words to bring you comfort with this devastating moment in your life … My heart aches for you … I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers … Please feel free to contact me when you need to talk … You now have 2 LOVING Angels at your side always … Mom and Dad are always watching over you
    Love,Kathy

  • So sorry to hear this news. I knew Jim through the Shone Lumber / BMC / BFS days. We talked Philly sports a lot. My prayers go out to his family during this trying time.

  • So sorry for your loss. I worked with Jim at shone lumber.

  • Holding Jim’s familynon our thoughts and prayers. I knew Jim for many years at Brosius & Eliason. Working with Jim was always fun and full of surprises. He was a great guy and will miss him dearly. Rest in peace old friend.

  • I worked with Jim at Shone’s/ BMC, I spoke with him about the Lord,he was not a fan, I pray he changed his mind!!!
    Please let me know if I could attend!!! I am so very, very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person.

  • I knew Jim since grade school and we were friends in Boy Scouts and became really close in high school, where we shared, with a few others, a love of watching and playing hockey. The Flyers winning back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships during our high school years was certainly a highlight for us. Jim was a unique, super sweet guy with a twisted, but great, sense of humor. We spent many hours together in those days and have lots of memories to show for it. Even though we didn’t keep in touch in later years, it was easy to pick up where we left off, when we did connect. We’ll miss you, Jim, and wish you a peaceful journey in the great beyond! My deepest condolences to Jim’s family.

  • I am so sorry for your loss. We first meet Jim and Katie in 1998 when we first moved to Delaware. We were next door neighbors for 2 years. Katie you’ve always been like a daughter to us and always will be. We know how much you love your dad and it is extremely difficult to now have lost both of your parents. I hope that you and Terry can find comfort in each other and help each other get through this pain. Katie the Bible promises that we will see our dead loved ones again and that time is not far off. Revelations 21:4 “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

  • I had the profile working alongside Jim for a number of years at Brosius Eliason. Jim was a good man, a unique individual, who took pride in what he did. My condolences to Terry and Katie. May your memories of times with Jim support you in this difficult time.

  • I MET JIM WHILE WORKING AT SHONES, BMC, AND NOW IT’S BFS. JIM WAS A GOOD EMPLOYEE AND A GOOD MAN. ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING WITH JIM. HE HAD A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR AND WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE ON MANY SUBJECTS. I GRADUATED FROM CLAYMONT HIGH IN 74, AND WISHED I WOULD HAVE KNOW HIM IN OUR YOUNGER DAYS. I’M SURE HE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FUN GUY TO HANG OUT WITH! MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO ALL OF JIM’S FAMILY. I’M SURE HE WILL BE MISSED. R.I.P. JIM!