James Myron Shepherd, 79, joined his Lord in the early morning hours, Saturday April 26, 2008, at his Lee's Summit, Missouri home. He was born in 1929, to James Myron and Mildred Miles Shepherd Sr. at Sylvia, KS.

After retirement, they moved to Colorado for the next 12 years with his church membership being with Lake George Christian Church. Jim and Billie returned to Hutchinson in 2000 to be nearer to friends and family where they attended Park Place Christian Church. Due to Jim's ill health, in 2006, they moved to Lee's Summit to be with their son.

In 1988, he retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He belonged to the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post No. 68. Jim and Billie were foster parents to a host of young people for the 25 years they resided in Hutchinson. He proudly served in the Army Air Corp during World War II.

On April 6, 1958, he married Elizabeth W. Bergen. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with a quiet celebration at their home. She survives.

Other survivors include: son, Steven Ray and Bonnie Shepherd, Lee's Summit, Mo.; daughter, Sharron Lee Slider, Emporia; foster daughters, Donna Hornbaker, Hutchinson, and MariLana Leach, Wichita; four sisters, Audrey Nusser and Janie Graham, St. John; Sharon Joe Smith, Garden City, and Joy Moeckel, Hays; two grandchildren, Brady and Sunny Shepherd, Olathe; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Marilyn K. Shepherd.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday April 28, 2008, in Sylvia Cemetery, Sylvia, with Pastor Kim Biery presiding. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2008, with the family present from 5 to 6 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be sent to Park Place Christian Church, in care of the mortuary. Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.