James Thomas Shoemaker Sr.'s Obituary
James Thomas “Jim” Shoemaker, Sr., 94, born March 4, 1928, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, son of Jacob William and Dorothy Louise (nee Stuart) Shoemaker, died peacefully on February 13, 2023, after a long illness. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Ledyard of Winnipeg, Manitoba, daughter, Nannette “Nan” (John “Skip”) Slone, son, James Thomas “Tom” Shoemaker, Jr, two stepsons, Roger (Jennifer) and Richard Beckner, plus 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Nettie Jean (nee Childers) and Sarah Katheryn (nee Buckner), and three brothers, Robert Stuart Shoemaker, George William Shoemaker, and Jacob William Shoemaker Jr. He grew up mostly in Chattanooga, but also lived in Grand Blanc, Michigan on his grandparents’ farm during the depression. He served in the US Navy during World War II and later attended UT Chattanooga. He moved to Orlando in 1957 and called Central Florida his home ever since. He worked throughout his career with the US Postal Service in both Tennessee and Florida. He was an avid, lifelong golfer, enjoyed jazz, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriner’s. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners, The Wounded Warriors, or a Charity of your Choice. A memorial service will be held at Baldauff Funeral Home in Orange City, Florida, at 1:00PM Saturday, February 18, 2023.
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