Obituaries

James Hudson Shadle

James Hudson Shadle died unexpectedly in his home in Hot Springs, Ark. on Dec. 21, 2011. He was 70 years old. Jim, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Point Deluce, Ark. on Aug. 8, 1941. He and his family moved to Elaine, Ark. while he was a young child, and it is there that he grew up. He graduated from Elaine High School in 1959. After a brief time in college, he enlisted in the US Army, qualifying as a paratrooper and was attached to the prestigious 101 Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Ky. He was eventually transferred to Korea, where he completed his enlistment. After a few years as a civilian, Jim again enlisted, this time in the US Coast Guard. Because of his airborne training (he was comfortable jumping out of aircraft!), he selected the USCG Air Survivalman rate as his specialty. Upon completion of his training, he was immediately assigned to USCG Air Station Kodiak, Alaska conducting patrols of the dangerous Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. He was subsequently assigned to several other USCG Air Stations through the years, Cape Cod, Mass., New Orleans, La., Sitka, Alaska, and finally, Traverse City, Mich. At each of these various air stations he was involved in numerous hazardous air/sea rescues of personnel and vessels, particularly while assigned in Kodiak and Sitka. Between his assignments to Sitka and Traverse City, he also served several years as a very successful US Coast Guard Recruiter during assignments to Little Rock, Ark. and Pekin, Ill. He had earned the rank of Air Survivalman First Class, and, while at Traverse City, was selected as Chief Warrant Officer Second. He was subsequently transferred to Marine Safety Office, Miami, Fla. where he served as the assistant supervisor of the Merchant Marine Licensing office where he was responsible for testing applicants and issuing licenses for merchant seamen. He retired from the US Coast Guard in 1987 and returned to his home state of Arkansas, to live on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, surrounded by his many, many friends. During his retirement he developed a passion for computers, inventions, and physical fitness. Jim was a devoted son to his parents, who preceded him in death, Mervin and Hester Shadle of Elaine, Ark. He had two sisters, Gladys Patricia Cazort (Fred) of Knoxville, Tenn. and Peggy Shadle Hopwood (Dick) of Phoenix, Ariz. He had one niece, Margaret Jones (Robert), and two nephews, Richard Cazort (Carol), and John Cazort and one great-nephew, Kenneth Cazort. Jim was a really fine man who devoted his adult life to service to his country and his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by many. A memorial gathering and graveside service will be held on July 7, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the DeWitt Cemetery, DeWitt, Ark. All friends are welcome. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Cancer Research Center, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72205.

Published July 1, 2012

Upcoming Events