James Shields

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James A. Shields, 78, of Downsville, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Albany Medical Center, following an accident at home. 

Jim was born July 29, 1944 in Walton, the son of the late Denton and Mildred (Pewterbaugh) Shields. 

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam. On Feb. 14, 1970, he married the former Beverly Burlingame in Downsville. 

Jim was a self-employed rural mail carrier and real estate broker for many years in Downsville, and a previous partner of Harmonie Farms. Jim most recently served as “courtier and courier” to Downsville’s reigning cookie queen. 

Jim was a member of the James S. Moore Legion Post 167, Downsville Fire Department, and Colchester Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Downsville Central School Board of Education. Jim was a loyal member of the WFD Coffee Club, TAs Coffee Club, and not only a loyal member, but the last official member of the Downsville Diner Coffee Club. Jim was an avid MAGA, Giants baseball, and Giants football fan. 

Jim was very proud of Downsville. He was involved in coordinating the development of the Covered Bridge Park, Walking Trail, and had the gazebo and arbor built to complement it. 

Jim enjoyed socializing, helping others and was a friend to many. But most of all he loved his family and the time they spent together. 

Jim is survived by his loving family, his wife Beverly, children Paula Brown of Downsville, Steve Brown of Downsville, Cherie (Mark) Pierce of Walton, and Jonathan (Amanda) Shields of North Carolina; grandchildren TJ, Delaney, Steven, Jacqueline, Joseph, Jacob, Shane, Quinnlyn, Adam, and Maliyah, brother Tom (Lavonne) Shields of Downsville; sisters Sally Braitling of Saugerties, Priscilla (Robert) Staruchowicz of Downsville, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister and brothers-in-laws Gail and Jerry Stone, and Joe Braitling. 

Family and friends were invited to call Sunday, April 2, at the New Hope Community Church, 45 Stockton Avenue, Walton where services were held with Pastor Larry Light and Rev. Edward J. Lowell, officiating. 

Burial with full military honors will be held at Paige Cemetery at a date and time to be announced. 

Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to Downsville Fire Department and EMS, P.O. Box AC, Downsville, NY 13755 or James S. Moore Post 167, P.O. Box 104, Downsville, NY 13755. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.courtneyfh.com