Mr. James D. Shelton, 77 of Livingston, Alabama entered into eternal rest July 31,2026 at his residence.

A memorial service for Mr. James D. Shelton was held. Larkin and Scott Mortuary, LLC entrusted with arrangements.

James was born on November 15, 1948, in Ripley, Mississippi, to Ethen Elizabeth Shelton and Roy Miller Shelton. He met Catherine Shelton in 1993, and the two were married on June 27, 2002, in Livingston, Alabama.

James devoted his life to education, industry, service, and the people around him. He earned degrees in Industrial Arts Education and Industrial and Occupational Education before joining the University of West Alabama faculty in 1981. During his distinguished career at UWA, he became an Associate Professor of Business and Technology, teaching courses in manufacturing, occupational safety and health, quality management, mechanical systems, and related fields.

Jim maintained numerous professional certifications and generously shared his knowledge through workshops, consulting, and partnerships with businesses and industries. He was deeply committed to the University of West Alabama, serving on numerous university committees, participating in the Faculty Senate, supporting the Fulbright Scholar initiative, and serving as the College of Business Student Success Coordinator. Throughout his career, he took great pride in teaching, advising, and helping students reach their full potential.

His commitment to service extended well beyond the university. Jim gave his time and talents to numerous

community programs, including school-to-work initiatives, youth development programs, furniture refinishing instruction, and woodworking projects. James was preceded in death by his parents, Ethen Elizabeth Shelton and Roy Miller Shelton; his sister, Joyce Elizabeth Shelton; his brother, Charles E Shelton; and his sisters-in-law, Hilda Shelton and Lee Shelton. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Shelton of Livingston, Alabama; his son, Jeffrey Shelton of Livingston, Alabama; his daughters, Denise Mack and Chris Mack, both of Birmingham, Alabama; his brother, Roy C. Shelton of Raleigh, North Carolina; his grandsons, Nathan Shelton of Starkville, Mississippi, Sam Shelton of Millport, Alabama, Christopher Craig Jr. of Aliceville, Alabama, Bobby Jones Ill of Birmingham, Alabama, and Cayson Jones of Birmingham, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, former students, and colleagues. James will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, advisor, and friend. His integrity, positive "can-do" attitude, willingness to help others, and genuine love and care for his family, students, and community touched countless lives. His dedication to serving others and the lasting impact he made on those fortunate enough to know him will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.