James E. Shamis passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2022. Jim was born in Valentine, to Eddie and Retha (Spain) Shamis on July 24, 1941. On September 3, 1960, Jim was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, and best friend, Kay Gipe and from this union, their two sons, Chris and Mark were born. Jim and Kay’s love and commitment to one another through good times and sad times provided a great example for their sons and their families.
Jim graduated from Valentine High School in 1959, attended the University of Denver majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management. His career was quite diversified. Out of college, he was Assistant Manager at the old renown Park Lane Hotel in Denver. He later moved on to work for Safeco Insurance and from that, he and two coworkers started an Independent Insurance Agency. After a few years he sold out and became VP of Village Inn Restaurants. He later went into business for himself and purchased three Bennett Bar B Que franchises. Finally, moving on to the favorite part of his career, a marketing business with his two Sons. They enjoyed a very successful business, traveling and distributing throughout the United States. Jim’s family was the most important part of his life. He was passionate about having everyone over for family dinners, talking to Chris and Mark daily and loved hearing from his grandkids. He felt so blessed to welcome his first great granddaughter Baker Mae this past July and was looking forward to many more. Over the years, he looked forward to finding new adventures with his family on vacation. Jim and Kay loved to travel and vacation throughout the U.S, Canada and Mexico and took numerous cruises. Of course, Jim’s favorite destination was Nevada (Reno, Las Vegas and Mesquite) where he would go time and time again to visit his money!
Jim is survived by his wife Kay, their two sons Chris (Lisa), Mark (Angela). Four grandchildren, Lindsay, (Jesse) Caperton, Cassidy, (Justin) Sloan, Joslynn, (Zac) Ross, and Travis; and one great granddaughter, Baker Mae Sloan. Uncles, Sam and Jerry Spain and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Anisa Cox, and his grandson James (Jace) Shamis. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Wounded Warriors Project or Red Rocks Church in Littleton, CO.
