JAMES “JIM” RAY SHEEHAN

James “Jim” Ray Sheehan, 76, of Elm Mott, Texas, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020 in Waco, Texas. Jim was born on December 8, 1943, in Paola, Kansas. He grew up in Paola and Louisburg, Kansas.

After serving in the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army, Jim relocated to Texas. He worked as a railroad engineer for more than 40 years for the Rock Island, Kay, Union Pacific and other railroads.

Jim married Gwylyn Ferguson from Strasburg, Missouri and together they raised five sons, Charles, Paul, Matthew, James and Robert.

Jim traveled frequently and extensively throughout all 50 of the United States, always by auto and seldom with an itinerary. He traveled throughout Europe, both in the Army and later in life.

Jim spearheaded several business ventures, often for no other purpose than to give someone else an opportunity. He also coached several youth baseball teams.

He was a master of the art of conversation and was always ready with a witty comment to elevate a family member or complete stranger. In charge to the very end, Jim was fortunate to spend most of his final days at home surrounded by his sons, dogs, and the relics of a life well lived.

He is survived by a large family, including his mother, Mary; his sister, Shirley; his five sons; two daughters-in-law, Elizabeth and Amber; and eight grandchildren, MaKayla, Madison, Alec, Ryleigh, Erik, Connor, Avery and Langstn.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Charles; and his wife, Gwylyn.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, September 28, 2020, at the Strasburg Cemetery, (S. CC State Rt. Hwy.), Strasburg, MO, with Pastor David Hackett officiating.

Pallbearers were Charles Sheehan, Robert Sheehan, Matthew Sheehan, Paul Sheehan, James Sheehan and Thomas Moncrief.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Strasburg Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, Holden, MO.