James 'Jim' V. Shepherd, 90

James Vonel Shepherd was born Oct. 19, 1935, in Levan, Utah, to Rulon J. Shepherd and Ella Lucille (Pierce) Shepherd. He grew up in Utah and graduated from Provo High School, where he played trumpet in the band and pitched on the baseball team. 

On Oct. 9, 1953, Jim married Cola Bosh. Together they had four children: Connie, Norman, Alan and Collette.

Jim began his working life as a gandy dancer on the railroad, a job that quickly convinced him to pursue a different path. He attended trade school for welding, where he quickly earned a reputation for his skill. This led to a long and successful career with Union Carbide’s welding division. Over the years, Jim became highly respected not only for his technical expertise but also as a trusted representative, selling welding equipment and sharing his knowledge throughout the Inland Northwest. Even later in life, family members frequently heard from people he had worked with who said Jim was the very best at what he did. Through several company name changes, he ultimately retired from ESAB in 2000. 

On Nov. 24, 1987, Jim married Mary Lou Shute. Through this marriage, he welcomed her son, Glenn, into the family. Glenn, along with his wife, Mary Lou, became a steady source of help, friendship, and support to Jim over the years. Jim and Mary Lou Shute shared 26 years of marriage and celebrated their anniversary shortly before her passing. They made their home in Bayview and Pritchard, Idaho, and also owned a winter home in Tucson, Ariz., where they spent many months enjoying warmer weather, golf, and time together. 

Following his retirement, Jim traveled extensively with Mary Lou Shute, who served as an Idaho State Representative. Their travels included trips to Alaska and Hawaii. After her passing, Jim sold the cabins in Pritchard and moved to Hayden, Idaho. 

Jim was passionate about hunting and fishing. His proudest catch was a 32-pound Kamloop trout, pulled from the waters of Pend Oreille Lake, an accomplishment he talked about often and with pride.

Jim loved to dance and spent many evenings at the Eagles, where he met Doryne Rogstad. They became longtime dance partners and close friends, remaining so until Jim’s passing. 

Jim requested that there be no formal service; however, a graveside celebration of life will be held Jan. 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Gamlin Cemetery near Sagle, Idaho, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Mary Lou Shepherd.

Jim is survived by his siblings: Mary (Jim) Pastrup; Gary (Colleen) Shepherd; and Don Shepherd; his children: Connie (Ken) Fuher; Norm Shepherd; Alan (Shanda) Shepherd; Collette Shepherd; and Glenn (Mary Lou) Shute; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rulon and Ella Shepherd; his brother, Sheril Shepherd; his former wife, Cola Shepherd; and his wife, Mary Lou Shepherd.

Please visit Jim’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.