James E. Shepherd, age 86, Dunkirk, died Sunday September 21, 2025 following an illness.  Born in Indianapolis on October 13, 1938, he grew up in Edmonton, Kentucky and attended school there before moving back to Indiana.  He was a resident of Dunkirk for several years and worked at Indiana Glass Co. until it's closure.  Jim attended Gospel Lighthouse Tabernacle in Dunkirk.  He, along with his wife and others, sang in a traveling gospel group known as The Singing Shepherds for 20 years.  He belonged to the local glass union and was a big U.K. fan.  Jim enjoyed working on electronics – especially old stereos, going out for breakfast and socializing with friends; most importantly, he cherished spending time with family.

Survivors include his sons: Mike Shepherd (wife: Cindy), Redkey, and Brian Shepherd (wife: Nicci), DeSoto; grandchildren: Ashley Taylor, CA, Casey Croyle (husband: Tim), Shreveport, LA, Autumn Marcum (husband: Duane), Dunkirk, Elias Shepherd (wife: Anika), Tampa Bay, FL, and Garrett Shepherd (wife: LeAnna), Dunkirk; honorary grandson: Jayden Watson, Dunkirk; great-grandchildren: Blaze Shepherd, Kynleigh Shepherd, Layne Croyle, Khloe Croyle, Garriksyn Shepherd, Odin Croyle, Waylon Shepherd, and Cassandra Shepherd; special friends: Kelly & Dan Watson.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Rema J. Shepherd, who died in 2021, and James & Lillie Syra who raised him.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2025 at Meacham Funeral Service.  Cremation will follow with future burial at Center Cemetery near Portland.

Visiting hours are Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.