Obituary of James "Jim" Louis Shanks Sr.

With deep sadness we share the passing of James Louis Shanks on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the age of 90. Born August 20, 1931, to the late Henry Dixon and Irene F. (Aeshilman) Shanks and predeceased by three siblings: Richard C. Shanks, Betty Lou Bannon, and Harry D. Shanks, he lived a life full of love, laughter, and song. Upon graduating from Ballard High School in Seattle, WA, he married his beloved wife of 71 years, Helen Elaine (Harrison) Shanks. In January 1960, he pulled up stakes with his young family and headed to California on the promise of a job. They settled in the Concord, CA area for 33 years before moving to Elk Grove, CA, in 1993 where he retired. Jim was a born performer who loved to entertain, whether in community theatre, a senior citizens group, or singing songs with his family. He especially loved volunteering for the blood bank. He often shared with others that his greatest accomplishments were his marriage to Helen and his five children; Kathleen Kirklin (spouse Patrick), JayMarie Garcia (spouse Ron), Carolynn Jennings, Tammy Sypriano (spouse Rick), and James L Shanks Jr (spouse Sheri). Jim (aka, Grandfather) is lovingly remembered by his wife, his children and their spouses; his nine grandchildren Veronica (Ty) Ruff, Kurtis Mathews, Jenni (Jeray) Perez, Tara Sypriano, Jacob Shanks, MacKenzie (Kurt) Harris, Casey Garcia, Hanna (Rick) Hall and Jared (Emilee) Shanks; his eleven great-grandchildren Jerae, Madysen, Seth, Renee, Kylee, Carter, Elijah, Emilia, Jameson, Mia and Aksel; and one great-great-grandchild Landon, and his beloved dachshund Annie Mae. We will always treasure our memories of you, the priceless wisdom you shared and your limitless love. Arrangements for a Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends will take place in the future.