(From Ferry Funeral Home)James W. Shannon, 89, of Nevada, MO, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Jim was born October 29, 1936, in Springfield, MO to W. W. Shannon and V. Azalea (Hilsabeck) Shannon. He married the love of his life, Mary Alice Hensley, on June 6, 1958, in Mansfield, MO.
Jim was a 1954 graduate of Central High School in Springfield. While a high school and college student, Jim played for the Springfield Symphony. He attended Southwest Missouri State (SMS) graduating with a B.S. in Music Education and a minor in Business. In addition, during the early years Jim served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for eight years. Jim served as vocal & instrumental director for one year at Stockton, MO before going to Dallas where he received his Masters in Music Education from Southern Methodist University. Jim returned to southwest Missouri where he served as vocal and instrumental director for Monett and band director for Nevada R-5 school districts from 1960 - 1989.
Jim was a longtime and active member of the United Methodist Church of Nevada where he both sang and served as director of their Chancel Choir and served 15 years as director of the Bell Choir. After retirement he enjoyed playing what he called “Geezer Golf”, taking care of his dogs, following NHS sports, and celebrating the accomplishments of his grandchildren with his wife of 68 years.
In addition to his wife, Mary Alice, he is survived by three children; Jim Shannon (Brenda) Springfield, MO, Shari Halvorson (Rev. Dr. Alf) Houston, TX, and Mike Shannon (Jennie) Strafford, MO; seven grandchildren, Sarah Weston (Cameron), Nick Shannon (Morgan), Matt Halvorson (Ellie), Kristen Johnson (Brett), Libby Collier (Brett), Molly Shannon and Sophie Shannon; and two great-grandchildren, Graham Collier and Amos Halvorson.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at United Methodist Church in Nevada with Pastor Alf Halvorson and Rev. Michelle Whitlock officiating. Interment will follow on Saturday, May 16, at the Mansfield Cemetery in Mansfield, MO. Those wishing to honor him are invited to make donations in his memory to the United Methodist Youth program, the Nevada High School music program, or any reputable dog rescue organization.
In addition to his wife, Mary Alice, he is survived by three children; Jim Shannon (Brenda) Springfield, MO, Shari Halvorson (Rev. Dr. Alf) Houston, TX, and Mike Shannon (Jennie) Strafford, MO; seven grandchildren, Sarah Weston (Cameron), Nick Shannon (Morgan), Matt Halvorson (Ellie), Kristen Johnson (Brett), Libby Collier (Brett), Molly Shannon and Sophie Shannon; and two great-grandchildren, Graham Collier and Amos Halvorson.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at United Methodist Church in Nevada with Pastor Alf Halvorson and Rev. Michelle Whitlock officiating. Interment will follow on Saturday, May 16, at the Mansfield Cemetery in Mansfield, MO. Those wishing to honor him are invited to make donations in his memory to the United Methodist Youth program, the Nevada High School music program, or any reputable dog rescue organization.
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