Obituary of Harold J. Shaw
ST. JOHNSVILLE – Mr. Harold James Shaw, “Jim,” age 80, a longtime resident of St. Johnsville, NY, passed away on Monday morning March 19, 2018 at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, town of New Hartford, NY.
He was born on May 11, 1937 in Rockwell City, Iowa, a son of the late Harold Cecil and Edith B. (Griffith) Shaw. He attended the University of Iowa, then enlisted with the United States Army from 1960 until 1962. He then went on to attend Parsons College in Iowa. He earned his master’s degree from Ithaca College. In 1964 he was united in marriage with Nancy L. Strout in Fairfield, Iowa. The couple have lived in the St. Johnsville area for 54 years in the beautiful home that Jim built. Jim enjoyed mowing his abundant lawn and gardening. Jim also shared a great motor home with Nancy and loved to travel and go camping.
Jim was a piano, organ and music extraordinaire. He shared his wonderful musical ability with the children of Fort Plain Central School for over 30 years as their music teacher. He and Nancy also were blessed to travel to our local area nursing homes and share their music ministry outreach where it was certainly appreciated and enjoyed. Jim was a member of the Piano Tuners Guild and loved radio - controlled airplanes and was a member of the Black Sheep Squadron. He played the organ for local area churches. He was a member of the Montgomery County Music Teachers Association as well as the New York State Teachers Association. Jim found great solace within his trust in God and reading and sharing Bible passages with Nancy. The faith they have shared with their loving and caring church family and the incredible support received from Pastor Dave and their neighbors and friends has always been of the utmost amount of comfort. There was also excellent assistance offered from caregivers of the Oppenheim Home Nursing staff. The family is so very appreciative and thank you all.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Nancy; his daughter and son-in-law, Teresa J. Smith & Alan J. Smith of Baldwinsville, NY, Jim’s special dog Lily and his loving grand-dogs Talos and Cybilla, and nieces and nephews in Iowa including Terry and Kathy Clark, Randy and Roger Oberhokamp, Lisa and Brian Roggendorf, Sue Ellen Blattler, Stacy Murphy, and Karl and Sandy Glindmyer. He was predeceased by two sisters Joan Risdal and Margaret Oberhokamp.
Funeral services will be held on Friday March 23, 2018 at 3:00 PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 32 West Main Street in St. Johnsville, NY with Rev. David A. Johnson officiating. Spring interment with full military honors will take place at West St. Johnsville Cemetery. Calling hours at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street, St. in St. Johnsville, NY are on Thursday March 22nd from 5 until 7 PM.
Those wishing to remember Jim in a special way are asked to consider a donation in his memory to either the Ayers Animal Shelter or to Cancer Research c/o Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To leave an online note of sympathy please visit www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.
