James "Jim" Shelby

James “Jim” Shelby, age 78, of Kirby, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020.

He was born on December 7, 1942 in Mayflower, the son of Irving Shelby and Lois Draper Shelby. On April 8, 1966, he was married to Betty Jean Gregory. He was preceded in death by his parents; two half-brothers, Irving “Junior” Shelby and Gerald Shelby; and his sister, Joyce Wilson.

A United States Army veteran, he was a retired roofer and Missionary Baptist minister. He had pastored and preached at many area churches. He enjoyed gardening, hunting and loved being with his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Shelby of Kirby; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Tim Shelby of Lexington, North Carolina, Howard and Pam Shelby of Alpine, Robert and Teresa Shelby of Kirby and David Shelby of Nashville; nine grandchildren, Kimberly Shelby, Kyle Shelby, Kortni Lyons, Robin Shelby, Kara Oliveira, Stephen Shelby, Eyvette Shelby, Hunter Shelby and Dylan Shelby; three great-grandchildren, Jaxon Shelby, Ava Shelby and Kaylynn Lyons; one great-granddaughter on the way, Kayleigh Lyons; two sisters, Marie O’Kelley of Little Rock and Merl Gaines of Greenbrier; and his nieces and nephews.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 2, 2021, in the Bear Creek Cemetery with Bro. Raymond Dees officiating.

Visitation will be Friday, 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood.

Pallbearers will be Gregory Kyle Shelby, Stephen James Shelby, Hunter Gage Shelby, Dylan James Shelby, Brent Lyons and Nick Oliveira.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Pate, James Barentine and Jasper Whisenhunt.

Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.