James Shifflett

James Elmer Shifflett

Age 87 of Wilmington and formerly Bridgeview, passed away peacefully Sunday May 5, 2013 at his home.

Born February 4, 1926 in Elkton, Virginia, Jim was a son of the late James Elmer Shifflett, Sr. and Mildred Grace Ferguson-Shifflett. He was raised and educated in Pennsylvania and Maryland and was a veteran of The United States Marine Corps. Jim served during World War II and Korea and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. On October 15, 1960 Jim married Loretta Kenny in Hickory Hills, Illinois and together they lived at 8121 South 78th Street in Bridgeview prior to moving to Wilmington in 1990. Jim began employment with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which later became the Chessie System (currently known as CSX Railroad). He held employment with the railroad for a total of 41 years. It was while on leave for a period from the railroad that Jim gained employment with the Bridgeview Police Department, where he served as a patrolman and Lieutenant Chief. Jim furthered his education at Moraine Valley Community College, The University of Chicago and Moody Bible Institute. He pastored New Heights Baptist Church in Lockport for several years and was most recently a member of Island City Baptist Church in Wilmington. Jim belonged to the Braidwood American Legion, formerly dealt antiques in Wilmington and will be remembered for his love of model trains and railroads.

Survivors include his daughter Janice Miller of Chandler, Arizona and four grandchildren: Dodie, Kimberly, Robyn and Tracey.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife Loretta on December 15, 2003 and one grandson Ronald Scoph.

Visitation will be held on Thursday May 9, 2013 from 12:30PM until time of 1:30PM service. Pastor Ron Taylor from Island City Baptist Church will officiate and inurnment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where Jim will be laid to rest with his wife Loretta.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Matthew R. Baskerville, CFSP / Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)