James Roger Shields' Obituary
James Roger Shields passed away July 2, 2023, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was born October 28, 1938, to John Paul and Bessie Lamb Shields in Knoxville, Arkansas. Roger, as he was known to his friends and family, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Most of all, he spent his entire life serving others and loving his neighbors.
Roger graduated from Lamar High School in 1955 as the class valedictorian before graduating from Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Arkansas, in 1959. At Tech, Roger was a member of the Baptist Student Union and Reserve Officer Training Corps. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Adjutant General Corps and rose to the rank of Captain in the US Army Reserve, commanding a Post Office Company in Kansas City, Missouri. While in Kansas City, Roger also attended Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Roger worked for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City before starting a career in employee and labor relations with Trans World Airlines and later American Airlines. Additionally, he spent 10 years operating a small business in Russellville, Arkansas, where he also served as an Elder at Central Presbyterian Church and President of the Russellville High School Band Boosters.
Roger spent his life in service to the Church and to others. He spent portions of his long life in different denominations, beginning at an early age in the Baptist tradition as a pastor in Arkansas and Missouri. Later, after retiring from American Airlines, Roger served in various Presbytery of Arkansas level endeavors, including a term as a Commissioned Lay Pastor at First Presbyterian Church (PC(U.S.A.)) of Pocahontas, Arkansas.
Roger was an avid golfer during his lifetime and loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Ruenell Shields of Broken Arrow; daughter Stephanie Williams & son-in-law Brett of Fort Worth, Texas; granddaughters 2nd Lt Nicole Williams of Enid, Oklahoma and Molly Williams of Fort Worth; stepchildren Calvin Mallett & wife Stephanie of Harrison, Arkansas; Greg Mallett & wife Trina of Broken Arrow; Nelda Mallett of Kansas City, Missouri; Ladonna Bicanovsky & husband Mike of Hattieville, Arkansas; sister Margie Brown of Clarksville, Arkansas; sister-in-law Frances Shields of Irving, Texas; many step-grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear cousins.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, John Paul and Bessie Lamb Shields, his brother, Jesse Pat Shields, and former wife Ann Young Shields.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
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