It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Brother James Harry Shepperd, who passed away on March 3rd, 2026. Brother Shepperd began his career with American Airlines in 1973, working as a Fleet Service Crew Chief. When Tulsa’s Fleet Service was consolidated, he relocated to DFW, where he eventually retired in 2020.
We ask that you keep the Shepperd family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace, Brother Shepperd.
James Harry Shepperd Obituary
It is with deep regret and sadness that on Tuesday, March 3rd we lost our beloved James Harry Shepperd (71) of Lonsdale, Arkansas. He passed away in Benton peacefully at 5:50 AM while holding the hands of his daughter Kortney and his sister Lorrie, it was as if they were his very own personal escorts to God’s Celestial Kingdom.
James was born on August 13, 1954 in San Antonio TX as the first born of three children to Della and Thadius Shepperd. Most friends and family members knew James affectionately as “P.A.” and most of his work family knew him as “Shep”. James spent most of his first 11 years in Los Angeles, California until his family moved back to Arkansas in the mid 60s. Classrooms weren’t his thing and he left school at 16 and moved out and supported himself ever since. He eventually followed in the footsteps of his father Thad in what proved to be a long and rewarding career at American Airlines that landed him in St Louis, Pittsburgh, Little Rock, Tulsa, and ultimately Dallas until he retired.
When he wasn’t running his crew as the crew chief at American Airlines he was on his lawnmower successfully running his own business in Tulsa, Oklahoma just because he could and because he loved to work and “make things, make things, make things!” as his Uncle Doug likes to say.
Beyond his work ethic James will be remembered for many things, most notably the love he had for his family and friends, a love of music and picking guitar with his brother Terry, his Mississippi family when they were in town, or other local legends like Bill McAlester, he enjoyed “getting up with a bass” (his way of saying fishing), “telling words”, and his rare ability to make you laugh without even trying. He also could dish out attitude adjustments on demand if you messed with the people he loved because he was loyal to the core, and you really didn’t want to go there with him either.
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Rebecca Shepperd, his daughter Kortney Pierce (Chris) of Sheridan, his son Jason Shepperd (Julie) of Hot Springs, his son Jacob Hyde of Boston MA, his grandchildren Rayce Pierce, Raylee Pierce, Adiline Shepperd, Beckett Shepperd, Charli Hallowell, Rylee Hallowell, and his sister Lorie Shepperd.
James was preceded in death by his parents Della and Thadius Shepperd as well as his brother Terry Shepperd, and his daughter Kelsey Hyde.
James will be remembered for his sharp and punchy wit, his wisdom, his work ethic, his charm, the way he could leave anyone laughing, and the way he could captivate audiences when he talked about himself and the trouble he got into and escaped from miraculously. He was incomparable in his uniqueness, and he will be missed greatly, yet never forgotten. Since music was such a staple of his life, the following are song lyrics that beautifully encapsulate how his friends and family members choose to see and remember him.
“A heart of gold Will take you to the rafters, Where you get your angel wings
‘Don’t cry for me’ Are the words that are coming, From your golden guitar strings”
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8th at Caruth-Life Celebration center on 2529 Airport Road in Hot Springs.
A celebration of James’s life will be 2:00 Monday, March 9th at Caruth-Life Celebration center with burial following service at Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers include Chris Pierce; Josh Shepperd; Ethan Swisher; Darren Swisher; Buck Kirby and Andrew Loe.
Honorary pallbearers are Doug Riley; Jimmy Kirby; Chris Hatten; Rick McCoy; Brady Vick; Joe Morrison; Lindsey Stillman; Glenn Smith as well as the entire American Airline Crew.