James Etienne Shotwell Sr.

James E. (Jim) Shotwell, Sr., a lifelong resident of Jackson, died peacefully on Monday, July 12, 2021 following a brief illness.  Jim was the first baby born in Jackson County on January 1, 1937.  A graduate of St. John’s High School, Jim devoted his life to serving his family, church and the community. He began working at the family shoe store, Miller’s Shoe Parlour, in 1957 and continued to pitch in even after handing the keys to his son and grandson.  Jim was elected to multiple terms on the County Commission, serving as Chairman from 1990-1994.  Prior to his work with the county, he served as Chairman and Treasurer for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), President of the Jackson Midtown Association and the Jackson Area Catholic School Board.  One of his proudest accomplishments was the removal of parking meters from downtown Jackson as part of the DDA.

Lifelong member of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served 45+ years as Usher and also served as an altar boy.  He was recipient of the St. George and Silver Beaver Awards as an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America for over 40 years.  He volunteered with the Rose Festival and participated with the Exchange Club in the Memorial Day parades.  He rang the bell for the Salvation Army.  He was President of Easter Seals in Jackson County and served on the Boards of Directors of numerous organizations including the America Red Cross, Security Savings Bank, Jackson County Crippled Children and Adults, Exchange Club and LifeWays.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing in many area golf tournaments and events.

Jim was devoted to his wife of 62 years, Letha (Shumate) Shotwell, who survives him along with three children:  Steve Shotwell (Beckie) of Jackson MI, Andy Shotwell (Lynn) of Arlington VA, and Liz Jackson (Todd) of North Liberty, IA; and 6 grandchildren: Betsy, Michael, Morgan, Marisa, Cassady and Teegan.  One sister Mary Ann (George) Sewell and nephew Christopher (Misty) Sewell.

In laughter and in sorrow, in sunshine and through rain, we know you are watching over us until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, August 18th at 11 AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church located at 1111 Carlton Boulevard, Jackson, MI 49203.  Family will receive friends at Watson Funeral Chapel located at 2590 Spring Arbor Rd. Jackson MI 49203 on Tuesday, August 17th from 7-9 PM with the Recitation of the Rosary at 8:30 PM and Wednesday at the Church from 10 AM until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church, LifeWays Community Mental Health, 1200 N. West Ave., Jackson MI 49202 or disAbility Connections, Inc., 409 Linden Ave., Jackson MI 49203.

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