In James “Jim” Jay Sheldon’s life, July 17th was a date of great significance. He was born on this date in 1950, in Adrian, MI, the only son of Kenneth and Frances (Osenko) Roback. Jim completed his circle of life on July 17, 2024, passing away at the Hospice of Lenawee Home surrounded by his family.
Jim grew up in the Blissfield area and graduated from BHS in 1968. He went on to attend Michigan State University where he earned both his bachelor’s and a master’s degree in journalism, while graduating with honors. Jim was a proud Spartan throughout his life.
During the time Jim was working at the Sunshine Group Home, in Temperance, MI he met his future wife, Sharon, who also worked at that facility. On December 17, 1977, Jim married Sharon (Swayne) Gintack in Blissfield, MI. Together they raised five children, worked on the farm and took on the task of building a new family home in Blissfield. Jim and Sharon were blessed with 30 years together before her death on January 8, 2008. Jim was a devoted husband and caregiver, as he visited Sharon daily for 17 years while she resided in the nursing home.
Jim also worked at Blissfield Manufacturing and the Adrian Training School; this was in addition to his other full-time job in farming. His focus was on crop farming, and he spent many hours in recent years going over his farm records to make sure everything ran smoothly.
Jim was a long-time member of Light of Christ Parish, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Blissfield. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus when he was younger and had a major part in publishing the parish newsletter, “the Scroll”. He liked to keep his mind sharp and was always solving crossword puzzles and reading. Not only Jim, but many members of the Sheldon family enjoy watching television series and movies and pulling famous quotes into their conversations. Jim was proud of his family and liked to be active in their lives; whether it was giving gardening advice or tasting the items off the food truck, you could count on him to be there. Jim cherished the role of grandpa and spending time with his grandchildren. He also had a soft spot for his four-legged friends- Seven, Duchess and Angel.
He is survived by his children, Shawna (Joshua) Weber, Stephen (Justina) Gintack, Shane (Kristen) Gintack, Melody (Matt) Dilley and Jay (Maegen) Sheldon; grandchildren, Joseph Sheldon, Karleigh Amador, Lilanna Gintack, Dakota Gintack, Brooke Dilley, Cassandra Dilley, Kaydence Sheldon and one more grandbaby on the way; and great-granddaughter, Abagail Sheldon. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Sharon.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield. Mass of the Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Light of Christ Parish, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Blissfield with Fr. Jeff Poll celebrating. Burial will follow at Ogden Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
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