James Sheppard Obituary

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I had the pleasure of working for Jim at Centennial from 1986 - 1994. Best boss I´ve had in my career. I also remember the trips with Jim going over Red Mountain Pass on way to Gr Junction. The events that stand out to me were when Jim would drive in middle of the road to freak out tourists coming toward us! He really enjoyed their misery in trying to get out of the way! Jim and I visited by phone over the years since Centennial and I really enjoyed those conversations, though they were brief. Anyone that knew Jim would recognize his manner of telling a story then wrapping up the call pretty quickly with his famous "that´s all I know talk to you later".

Will miss our conversations. Rest in peace, Jim.

My condolences. What an accomplished life. Hugs to you all.

Dear Kelly and Andy,

It's impossible for me to think about growing up in Durango without thinking about your family. You were among some of our first neighbors in the then brand-new Animas Heights subdivision, your mom was my piano teacher, and your dad gave me a job at the First National Bank that I kept all through high school and summers when I was home from college.

Jim was a man of integrity whose kindness, compassion, and sense of humor made him unforgettable to anyone lucky enough to have known him. I am so sorry for your loss and extend my condolences.

Kelly, my condolences to you and your family!
Sending love, hugs, and prayers!

Annette Martinez Somsen

Jim and I lived within a couple blocks of each other for the first 17 years of our lives. Then we went our own different directions. We were in first grade thru high school in the same class, played on sports, scouts, worked at same fast food and state jobs together even chases the same girls. We have lived miles away the last 17 years. BUT we talked on the phone weekly. We had more fun talking about the first 17 years than we had living the years.
He will be greatly missed what a fun life we had together

Kelly and family, My Dad Harold LOVED working with your Dad at First National. Jim would make my cheeks burn red when I´d get embarrassed by their banter about my name being something else like Larry, I was a shy 4 year old after all...then Girl Scout cookie selling in the lobby I´d brace myself for the bartering:) I loved their friendship through the years even to the last weeks my Dad was around, your sweet Dad called and laughed about various recollections and put a smile on faces over the phone. He still checked on Georgette after Dad passed. I am sure you all are laughing at the antics and memories through the years as I am. Jim was a gem of a friend in this life and will be missed. Mel (Issa) (not Larry) Welage Johnson

Worked with Jim at First National in Durango in the early 80´s. He was a spitfire! Loved his knowledge, energy and humor. Say hi to Bob for me

Uncle Jim- I appreciated your calls. Felt like I was with my dad too. I know you, dad , Don and Len are raising hell in heaven!
All I can say is Go Jacks!
Love you, Lynn

When Jim was Mayor I visited with him on a city matter. He was very kind to me . Years later Jim joined our monthly Mayor´s lunch . His inquisitive mind was full of insight into municipal government. I appreciate knowing Jim . He served Durango people with a love for our community.

We settled in Durango in 1975 because of Jim Sheppard. Worked with him over 15 years and have the greatest respect for him, My condolences to Kelly and the family. Rest in peace my friend.

A good man, friend and neighbor. My condolences to the family.

Jim was the best boss anyone could have in a lifetime. We traveled to all the Centennial branches once a month and it was always an adventure. He always asked if I wanted mutton stew as we came into Farmington from Cortez. He loved playing jokes on me. Once I asked him to pick up a copy of my birth certificate in Pagosa and he did, of course, but took the time to change the DOB to make me 10 years older and even has someone put their seal on it to make it look real. On my 20 year anniversary at the bank he and John gave me a windjammer cruise for two all expenses paid. I could go on for hours with all my memories. He always made work fun and I always knew how much he respected my knowledge. I will miss him. .