James Edward Shaw, 83, of Gainesville, MO passed away September 10, 2026 at Baxter Health Hospital in Mtn Home, AR. He was born November 9, 1942 in Kansas City, MO to Jesse James and Mary Reba (Crabtree) Shaw.

James was a 1960 graduate of Gainesville High School. He joined the Navy in 1960 and served his country until 1964, stationed in San Diego, CA. He married Mickey Allen in 1970; the couple had no children. James worked for JE Dunn out of Kansas City as a contractor for several years.

He was also elected sheriff of Ozark County from 1985-1988. He served as a deputy two years prior to being elected sheriff. James always enjoyed spending time with friends, and in recent years, was a favorite at Just Jackie’s in Pontiac, MO.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Mary Shaw; sister, Patsy Ann (Shaw) Hannaford; stepbrother, Harold Rhodes & Pat; stepsisters, Ruth Rhodes and Reba Vick.

He is survived by sister, Margurette Shaw Gwartney of Pontiac, MO; nephews, Donald Keith Herd and wife Shawna of Pontiac, MO, Chuck Hannaford of Republic, MO; niece, Theresa Lyn Herd Hall and Randy Hall of Brantley, AL; stepsister, June Rhodes Hillhouse and Loren of Gainesville, MO; Joyce Motte and Bill of Fort Smith, AR, Joan Rhodes of Wichita, KS; and nieces and nephews: Donald Keith Herd Jr of Blytheville, AR, Harper Herd, Fred Herd, Abel Herd, Elizabeth Herd Spear, Tyler Spear, Jackson Odell, Loralei Spear of Pontiac, MO, Corey Hillhouse and Hope of Gainesville, MO, Shelly Hillhouse of Springfield, MO, Gayla Murphy and David of Gainesville, MO. He also leaves behind those who held a special place in his heart and were truly family to him: his long-time friend, Jackie Klineline of Pontiac, MO; and those he loved like grandchildren, Todd and April Luna, Hunter, Chase & Stella Luna of Gainesville, MO.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2026 at Just Jackie’s in Pontiac, MO. Cremation services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.