James L. Shandy

IN MEMORY OF: James L. Shandy Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri James Leroy Shandy, 89, passed away on Saturday, May 16, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau following a brief illness. Jim claimed to have been “born in a manger” on March 2, 1937, in Montier, Missouri, to Kenneth and Violet Reese Shandy. He was raised on the family dairy farm near Mountain View, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance — and to despise chicken. When Jim was just 16 years old, his father passed away, and he stepped into the role of provider and protector for his mother and young sister, Sharon. After graduating from Summersville High School in 1955, Jim attended the University of Missouri–Columbia, where he earned his undergraduate degree in animal husbandry and a master’s degree in agricultural economics. Jim said in college he was initially terrified about speaking in front of class until one professor advised him to “just relax and talk about something you know.” He worked up the courage and told the class in detail how to milk cows. His speech was so entertaining and well received that word spread and students on campus would stop him to ask about milking cows. Following that professor’s advice gave Jim confidence that served him well not only in college but throughout his life. He put those skills to wonderful use by mentoring and encouraging others to pursue their own goals. On August 30, 1958, Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra E. Harris, at Summersville Methodist Church, beginning a loving partnership that would span nearly seven decades. The young couple moved to Chicago, Illinois, where they both worked for Hartford Insurance in the iconic Wrigley Building. Jim later served his country honorably for 25 months in the United States Army, mostly stationed in Korea where he ate potatoes and canned meat, but no chicken. Following his military service, Jim and Sandy returned to Columbia, Missouri, where their first son, James Daniel, was born in 1963 while Jim completed his master’s degree. In 1966, Cape Girardeau became the family’s forever home and the place where they welcomed their second son, Kenneth Allen. For 59 years, Jim was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he served faithfully on numerous leadership committees and formed many lifelong friendships. He was an active leader in Boy Scout Troop 2, proudly guiding both of his sons to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim approached life head-on with humor, heart and family values. Some of his happiest memories were made on float trips along the Jacks Fork and Current rivers, camping on the beaches of Florida, and fishing trips in the Ozarks, in Canada and on deep sea expeditions in the Gulf of Mexico. In their later years, Jim especially enjoyed traveling with his wife and their close group of friends to destinations near and abroad that served non-poultry fare. His adventurous spirit led him to a wilderness survival camp where he walked across a bed of burning coals — twice! Music was one of Jim’s lifelong joys. An accomplished guitar player and enthusiastic fiddler, he generously shared his talent in church and with fellow local musicians, continuing to entertain regularly until just a few days before his passing. Over the years, Jim built a career marked by determination and entrepreneurial spirit. His lifelong quest for learning and exploring business opportunities led him to work for the Co-Op in Delta, Farmers Home Administration, Hartford and State Farm Insurance companies, Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation, and for a while, Jim even raised cattle (but not chickens) just off Hopper Road in Cape Girardeau. He was a passionate shade tree mechanic and was known for creative repairs using baling wire and duct tape. There wasn’t a vehicle or home repair he wouldn’t tackle on his own, although being colorblind sometimes led to questionable paint choices. In 1983, he purchased a MAICO hearing instruments dealership, later renamed America’s Best Center for Hearing Aids. For decades, Jim also invested in and managed numerous rental and business properties. Never seeking to retire, Jim stayed busy with both of these ventures until his health failed just two weeks before his passing. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra, and his faithful dog, Stompy. He is survived by his sons, Dan (Renée) Shandy and Ken Shandy of Cape Girardeau; his sister, Sharon Sinclair and her family of Coker, Alabama; granddaughter, Chelsea (John Dedeke) Bowerman of St. Louis; and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing this remarkable man. A Family Hosted Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 20 followed by a service at 11 a.m. (and a luncheon for friends and family where chicken will be served) at Grace United Methodist Church in Cape. Memorial donations may be made to the church in his honor. The cremation of James L. Shandy will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home. Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

James L. Shandy

March 2, 1937 - May 16, 2026