#Middlebury #Obituary
Retired Deputy Police Chief
James John Shepard Sr., 84, of Watertown passed away Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 in Naugatuck. He was the loving husband of Lorraine (Kruse) Shepard for 63 years.
James was born in Waterbury May 14, 1934, a son of the late Arthur and Nellie (Elder) Shepard. He attended Leavenworth High School. He lived in Middlebury for 55 years, moving to Watertown for the last five years of his life.
James was a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served on the USS Glynn. After an honorable discharge, he was employed at Timex Corporation. James became involved with the Middlebury community and joined the Middlebury Police force, working his way up to deputy police chief. After his retirement he was employed by Heritage Systems.
James was a past member of the Middlebury Democratic Party, where he was elected several times as town constable. He also belonged to the Police Chiefs Association. James also was a member of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, Middlebury Lions Club and past president of the Middlebury Police Social Club.
James was instrumental in bringing Santa to the children of Middlebury often arriving in a police cruiser, helicopter, fire engine or a horse and buggy. He enjoyed chatting with the children often surprising them on knowing where they lived.
Besides his wife, Lorraine, James leaves behind his daughter Deborah Thibault and her husband, Daniel, and two sons, James Shepard Jr. and his wife, Pamela, and Lawrence Shepard and his daughter Parise, all of Watertown; his grandchildren, Jessica Coer and her husband Christopher; Amanda Thibault; and James III, Rachael, and Robert Shepard, all of Watertown. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Christopher Jr. and Riley Coer, with whom he adored spending time. James also is survived by his brother, David Shepard of Wolcott and his sister, Barbara Campagna of Wolcott and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friends of many years, Ronald and Marlene Luth of Bethlehem.
Besides his parents, James was predeceased by three brothers, Robert, Arthur and Howard, and four sisters, Jayne Mordenti, Anne Janowitz, Helen Cronin and Geraldine Cancellaro.
His funeral service will be Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home at 115 Willow St. in Waterbury with Rev. Andrew Zeman of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Middlebury presiding. Burial will follow in Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury with military honors. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Donations in Mr. Shepard’s name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817. Topeka, KS 66675-8517.
Visit www.murphyfuneralhomect.com for more information or to send an online condolence.
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