James Leo Shuler, 89, departed this earth on July 11, 2021, and is now enjoying his forever home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021, at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home, Greenville, Texas with Rev. Jose Amaya officiating. Interment will be at IOOF Cemetery in Caddo Mills, Texas. Family visitation will precede the service at 9:00 a.m.
Jim was born at home on February 21, 1932, to Walter Leo and Ina Faye Hardaway Shuler, in Caddo Mills, Texas. He married his high school sweetheart, Cleta Joy Jordan, on March 15, 1952. He was a 1950 graduate of Caddo Mills High School and went on to receive a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Southern Methodist University in 1953. Later in life, he attended night and weekend classes to obtain a Master’s in International Management from the University of Dallas. Retiring in 1990, his entire professional career was spent in the defense industry working for Temco, LTV, and E-Systems.
Jim was a charter member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for most of his adult life. He enjoyed singing tenor in the choir, teaching 9th grade boys Sunday School, ministering as a deacon, and participating in mission trips to Nevada, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, and the Philippine Islands.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 62 years, Cleta, his parents, Waler Leo and Ina Faye Hardaway Shuler, his brother-in-law, William Robert Bearding of Phoenix, Arizona, and his nephew, Robert Dan Bearding of Somes Bar, California.
Jim is survived by his children Allan Shuler and wife Mendy of Caddo Mills, Texas, Laurie Shuler of Greenville, Texas, and Dolores Ackley and husband Steve of Garland, Texas; grandchildren Tonna Shuler Dishner of Greenville, Texas, Michael Shahan of Petersburg, Virginia, Elizabeth Ackley Swaminathan of Austin, Texas, Rebecca Ackley of Dayton, Ohio, Matthew Ackley of Grapevine, Texas and Benjamin Ackley of Frisco, Texas; great-grandchildren J. Dishner of Lubbock, Texas, Abigail Dishner Drews and husband Kaegan of Tyler, Texas, Mason Dishner of Caddo Mills, Texas, and Catherine Swaminathan of Austin, Texas; sister Jeanne Bearding of Phoenix, Arizona; and niece, Elizabeth Bearding Marshall and husband Hank of Phoenix, Arizona.
Jim will be remembered for his independent spirit, his unflinching integrity, his generous nature with friends and family, his servant’s heart to anyone in need, and his love, strength, and leadership as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His life-long affinity for nature and his work as a conservationist leaves outdoor spaces that will be enjoyed by many for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that you consider a donation to Ridgecrest Iglesia Bautista Hispana in Greenville, Texas, or to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.cokermathews.com.
