James Arthur Shepard, 85, of Dayton, passed away December 6, 2016. James was born in Gordon, Ohio on April 30, 1931 to the late Oscar and Mildred Shepard. He proudly served in the US Navy. He was a member of Al-Anon for 26 years and was a meeting leader there. In his free time, he enjoyed reading and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his loving 1st wife, Joan Shepard; and infant sons, Mark and Thomas Shepard.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Shepard; son, James Shepard; daughters, Terri (Marc) Kanter, Kathy Shepard, Jean Huffman; step children, Rick (Vicki) Smith, Steve Smith, Mike (Becky) Smith, Phil Smith, Tim (Teressa) Smith; 5 grandchildren; 13 step grandchildren; brother, William Shepard; sister, Carol Ritz; and several other relatives and special friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 12, 2016 from 2:30 - 3:30pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, where funeral services will begin at 3:30pm with Pastor Steve Carney from First Church of God in Germantown officiating.

Memorial donations can be made to the Dayton VA Hospice.