April 22, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri Otis and Louise Shepherd were blessed with their only son. He was one of eight children. They named him James Edward Shepherd. His father, Otis Shepherd preceded him in death. James was raised in the City of Kinloch. He attended Holy Angels Catholic School and graduated from Soldan High School in 1972 and furthered his educated at Florissant Valley Community College. James confessed a hope in Jesus Christ at an early age under the leadership of the late Reverend Wash Yates as Southern Missionary Baptist Church. He continued his membership under the leadership of Reverend Steven G. Thompson. After graduation from high school, he entered into the U.S. Air Force in 1973 as a Sergeant and held the title of Administration Specialist during his four years of duty. After an Honorable Discharge, James was employed at the National Personnel Records Center where he worked for thirty years. During his thirty years of service, he became president of Union AFGE-Local 900. He was highly respected by his peers and commanding officers. During his tenure, many changes were enacted under his leadership. James retired on October 22, 2010 from the National Personnel Records Center only to take another position within the Army Corps of Engineers as his last employer. To the union of James and Dephene Shepherd the Lord blessed them with three daughters and two sons: Kenisha, Jasmine, Jamesha, Brandon and Pierre. James devoted spending quality time with them and supporting them in their education and outside activities. The Lord called him home the morning of December 13, 2011. Family and friends will miss Jimmy working in his yard, throwing back yard parties, listening to his favorite music (The Temptations) along with his smile and that ever present sense of humor. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Dephene; daughters, Kenisha, Jasmine and Jamesha; sons, Brandon and Pierre; his grandchildren, Ashley, Brandon (Bo), Jakayla, Zamyriah, Carter and Baby Pierre; his mother, Louise, mother-in-law, Gene; sisters, Dorothy, Gloria, Earline, Annie, Wanda (Melvin), Maxine (Rickey), Myrtle (Hightower); sister-in-law, Francine; brothers-in-law, Mitchell Jr., Dennis (Lisa), Michael (Carlise), Lawrence (Trina); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle and longtime friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of James Shepherd. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences