James D. Shea, Jr., 73, of Dyersburg, (originally from Peoria, IL) died Monday, February 11, 2013 at his residence. He was a loving, peaceful man who took much pride in his children and grandchildren's accomplishments.

Born August 1, 1939 in Peoria, Illinois to James "Del" Shea and Ruth M. Marchino Shea, he married Cathi Cychol Shea on August 1, 1997 in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his wife; three sons, Jim III (Lisa) Shea of St. Louis, MO; David (Trudy Norman) Shea of Washington, IL; Ben (Julie) Shea of Decatur, IL and one daughter,
Liz (Keith) Norman of Vienna, VA.; eight grandchildren; Libby, Brenna and Meaghan Shea of St. Louis, MO; Grant and Garrett Shea of Decatur, IL; and Jack, Anna and Ben Norman of Vienna, VA.; ten brothers and sisters; Delia (John) Ryan of Chicago, IL; Michael Shea of Pekin, IL; Dr. John (Pat) Shea of Riverside, IL; Mary (Bob) Gover of Washington, IL; Annie (Bob) Hickey of Lincoln, IL; Thomas Joseph (Ann) Shea of Peoria, IL; Patricia (Jim) Bednar of Pontiac, IL; Tim (Mary) Shea of Peoria, IL; Pete Shea of Dunlap, IL; and Frances (Joe) Crusen of Dunlap, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Spalding Institute in 1957, he attended Bradley University. He hired in at Caterpillar right out of high school and completed a two-year apprentice program. A Caterpillar employee for 44 years, he worked mainly at the East Peoria plant, retiring from the Dyersburg plant in 2001.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in June 17, 1958 serving in Paris, France and Tripoli, Libya and was honorably discharged December 5, 1961. He was a member of the American Legion Post 2 in Peoria, IL and a life-time member of AMVETS Post 64 in Peoria, IL

Jim was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, a Chicago Bears fan and NASCAR fan. He enjoyed fishing especially in Hayward, Wisconsin. He ran the Spalding Boosters Bingo for many years providing the school's sports program with equipment, transportation and volunteers.

Cremation rites will be accorded. There will be no visitation. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 18th at 12:00 noon at Holy Angels Catholic Church, with Rev. Robert J. Stellini officiating. Inurnment will be in the Holy Angels Catholic Church Columbarium in Dyersburg.

Honorary pallbearers are John J. Cychol, III, Gary Heilman and Keith Norman.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Angels Catholic Church.

Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.