James "Shep" Howard Shepard Obituary (1920 - 2018)

“Shep” “His Family’s Hero” After 97 years, on May 22, 2018, Shep hitched up his trailer again and went on his next adventure. He was born September 2, 1920 in Coffey, Missouri to James Howard Shepard and Pearl Mae Fields. Shep moved to Idaho in 1922 with his parents and then lived briefly with his grandparents, David and Mary Fields, after his mother died. Being the oldest of the two children of a single father, he learned responsibility early. It was only natural that he joined the military as a member of the Civilian Army/Air Corps in 1937. He received his early training at Ft. Douglas and signed his enlistment papers in 1939. While at Ft. Douglas, he and a buddy went to Tyler’s Café in Murray for ice cream where he met and fell in love with Rhea Jordan. The two married on Halloween (pay day) in 1941 and only two weeks later, shipped out for duty in the Philippines, Java, and Indonesia. During the Korean War, Shep was stationed in France. Fast forward 13 years and he and Rhea started their family—Laurel (Bryan), Shelley (Gregg), and Sandy (Kirk) were joined later by Stephen and Mark. Shep continued to work for the Utah Air National Guard and Young Electric Sign Company. A penchant for travel led Shep and Rhea to explore all 50 states, most Canadian provinces and several regions in Europe. Shep was a gifted woodworker and crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family. He also served the community of Christ United Methodist Church for many years, greeting everyone with his infectious smile. Predeceased by his parents; wife, Rhea; and sister, Mary. Survived by brother, William (Fallon, Nevada); his daughters and sons; 11 grandchildren: Nic (Raquel), Lindsey (Jon), Cecily (Kellen), Chris (Sloan), Jourdan (Patty), Alex, Bethany, Michael, Matthew (Carissa), Tori (Tyler), Heidi; and 6 great-grandchildren: Avie, Sofia, Jeremiah, Paisley, Jubilee, Isaiah. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Wentworth of East Millcreek and Brighton Hospice for their excellent care. Scott, Gaylen, Vanessa, Millie, Sarah, Amanda, Sal, Soni, Arlene, Bridgette—“You made a rough time tolerable and eased the transition for our family.” “Keep on being ‘ornery as ever,’ Grandpa! We’ll remember to keep our forks.” A viewing will be Tuesday evening, May 29, 2018, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street, Murray, Utah. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing from 9:45-10:45 a.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, 2375 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Burial will follow at the Utah Veteran’s Memorial Park, Bluffdale, Utah. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com