James Shorter

Obituary for James R. Shorter James R. Shorter, age 88, of Roswell, NM, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at the Mission Arch Care Center. James was born in Shawsville, Virginia on April 28, 1919 to George Harvey and Annie Alma Lucado Shorter. His parents preceded him in death as well as 5 siblings. James married Helen Ibert on February 8, 1944 in New York City. They were married for 64 years. Helen survives him at the family home. He is also survived by his daughter, Geri Dosalua, of Roswell; his son, James R. Shorter Jr. of New York; his brothers, Robert of Troutville, Virginia, Charley of Florida, and Clarence (Cooney) of Roanoke, Virginia; and his sister Rosie, also of Roanoke, Virginia. James spent 39 years serving his country in the U.S. Navy. He served in the South Pacific in World War II and also served in the Korean War. Upon completion of this military duty he joined the active reserves and later served in the MCB 19 Construction Battalion of the Seabees located in Whitestone, NY. He was a diesel mechanic with the City of New York and he and Helen chose Roswell for retirement in 1976. James was a jack of all trades. He was very creative and always had projects in progress. He found time to get his GED at ENMU-Roswell and went on to earn an Associates degree in Electronics Technology during retirement. He loved gardening and building things in his workshop. He was a good friend to many and was always ready to help his neighbor. The family wishes to express appreciation and thanks to Dr. Xavier Herrera, his physician, and Lindsay Ray and the wonderful caring staff at the Alzheimer Care Center in Mission Arch. These people treated him very respectfully and helped to make his last days as peaceful as possible. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory. He will be cremated at his request. There will be a memorial service at a later time. His cremains will be interred at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. Those wishing to send condolences to the family online may do so at www.andersonbethany.com. Also, if desired, memorial contributions may be made to the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in Roswell or to another charity of choice in his memory. To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me While I am gone release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many beautiful years. I gave to you my love, You can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown But now it’s time I traveled on alone. To grieve for me a while if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust It’s only a while that we must part To bless the memories within your heart I won’t be far away, for life goes on, So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near. And if you listen with your heart, You’ll hear all my love around you soft and clear, And then when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and say… “Welcome Home”

James Shorter

April 28, 1919 - February 10, 2008