Obituary

James “Jim” Oreland Shelburne, 87, of North Chesterfield, VA, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Jim retired as a telecommunications officer at Defense General Supply Center and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Berlin Crisis.

Jim, a.k.a. “Putt Putt,” was a Ruritan member for 58 years serving in many leadership roles with the Broad Rock and Chesterfield Ruritan Clubs. Jim also was a long-time member of WoodmenLife Richmond Chapter 159. Jim’s home church was Belmont United Methodist Church, and he was a member of and worshipped at Chester United Methodist Church for the last 15 years. It was in these places that you would find Jim stirring Brunswick Stew, making flag presentations, volunteering at the Chesterfield County Fair, and in the kitchen with his lovely wife, Jeanne, preparing meals and serving donuts and coffee on a Sunday morning.

Jim was born in Luray, Virginia and grew up on a farm in Unger, West Virginia. It was here that he developed a love for working in the yard and gardening. Even as his health declined, he continued to tend to his yard and his garden.

Whether it be at work, with family, neighbors, or strangers, Jim could always strike up a conversation. He cared for others deeply and after retirement, became a caregiver and chauffeur to many family members and friends.

Jim met his life-long friend and wife, Jeanne, of 64 years at Sherbourne United Methodist Church. They raised two daughters, Sandra and Stacey, who will miss hearing his laughter, songs and the fun stories he shared with his six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Jim will be deeply missed and forever loved. His legacy will live on in the family he cherished, the friends he made everywhere he went, and the many lives he touched with his positive attitude and joy

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Opie Shelburne; sisters, Eunice Hovermale, Mary Endresano, and Ruby Williams; and brother, A.P. Shelburne. Jim is survived by his wife, Jeanne Shelburne; daughters, Sandra Gellings (Brian) and Stacey Ferrer (Mark); grandchildren, A.J. Roy, Ashley Ferrer, Alina Roy (Kyle), Aarun Roy (Desi), Jon Gellings (Brittany), and Lindy Gellings; 9 great grandchildren and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. The family will receive guests from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, February 19, at Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Rd., N. Chesterfield, VA 23234. James’ funeral service will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday, February 20, at Chester UMC, 12132 Percival St., Chester, VA 23831. Interment will follow at Dale Memorial Park.