James "Jim" L. Shepperd

James L. Shepperd, 88, of Wadsworth, IL. passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024 in Kenosha, WI.   He was born January 9, 1936 in Pekin, IL.

Jim spent his early years with his loving grandparents on their farm in Tremont, IL.  Following his grandparents passing, he moved with his mother and aunt to Waukegan, attending North School and graduating from Waukegan High School, class of 1954.  After high school, Jim worked at the Potter Co, in North Chicago and Allis Chalmers in Deerfield.  He married the love of his life, Bonnie (nee Wedge) of Gurnee in June of 1958.  Jim volunteered for service in the USMC Reserves and was initially stationed at Parris Island.  After years of honorable service in the Marine Corp Reserves, he was discharged at Great Lakes.  Jim pursued a mechanical design degree at IIT, while raising a family and working for Frank G. Hough Co., later International Harvester in Libertyville; then, Case IH/JI Case in both Hinsdale and Racine. Jim holds an inventor patent assigned to JI Case.

In 1960, Jim and Bonnie purchased land in Wadsworth, where they built their home.  Jim became involved in the local community, serving on the Gurnee District 56 School Board, and many terms on the Village of Wadsworth Planning Commission and the Village of Wadsworth Board.  He was a member of Gurnee Community Church and spent many years ushering on Sunday mornings and being involved in church activities with his family.  He also loved animals, and living in Wadsworth was the perfect rural atmosphere to have many wonderful pets over the years. There, he and Bonnie had warm relationships with their neighbors, and many good times were had with the Elm Lane folks. Jim was often found working in his yard, or on his many projects around the property.

He made time to show his children the country and give them opportunities to thrive.  Some of the families’ fondest memories are of the many trips they took, the places they visited, and the memories and stories that resulted. He would travel domestically and abroad for work and pleasure.  Following retirement, he and Bonnie spent many years relaxing, camping and fishing with their RV and boat on Lake Norfolk in Arkansas.

Jim was an avid racing fan since the 1950’s, attending Indy car, midgets, sprints and NASCAR races, but he held a special affinity for the Indianapolis 500.  He attended many 500’s over the years and had an amazing memory for the stats of the races.  He was also a Green Bay Packer fan, and delighted in rivalries with family member Chicago Bear fans.    

He is survived by his much cherished and loving wife of 66 years, Bonnie Shepperd of Wadsworth, IL, two daughters, Deborah Spurgeon, Wadsworth, IL, Laurie Hatton (James) of Zion, IL, and one son John Shepperd (Julie) of Pleasant Prairie, WI, 6 grandchildren, Kyle Spurgeon (Bari) of Libertyville, IL, Connor Spurgeon (Stephanie) of Libertyville, IL, Trevor Hatton (Kallie) of Libertyville, IL, Lukas Hatton of Kenosha, WI, Morgan Shepperd of Kenosha, WI, Kelsey Shepperd (Alex) of Edgerton, WI, and 4 great-grandchildren, Camdyn Shepperd, Asa Spurgeon, Charles Spurgeon and Rhys Spurgeon.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Willetta Shepperd & Burleigh (Marian) Gouker.  His grandparents, James & Pearl Bryant Shepperd, his aunts, Ida Mae (Jirah) Cole and Juanita Tomlin, his in-laws, Robert and Pearl Wedge, his 3 brothers-in-laws, Kenneth, Lawrence (Barbara) and Allen Wedge, his son-in-law, David Spurgeon, as well as other extended relatives.

Services will be held at the Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with visitation at 10:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m.  Pastor Chris Stephens, officiating.  Interment to follow at Millburn Cemetery, Old Mill Creek, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Gurnee Community Church, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, 4606 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee. Please sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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