James Shepard died Saturday, April 14, 2018 in Muleshoe, Texas at the age of 78 years, 2 months and 24 days. He was born January 20, 1940 in Hye, Texas to John and Dorothy (Lay) Shepard. He married Phyllis Gardner in Morton, Texas on June 14, 1960.

James was the owner and operator of the West Camp Gin for 25 years. He had a dual membership with the Mackenzie Masonic Lodge and the Muleshoe Masonic Lodge. James was also a lifetime member of the Littlefield Masonic Lodge and a member of the Lubbock Scottish Rite. He is preceded in death by his parents.

James is survived by his wife of 57 years and 10 months, Phyllis; his five sons, Steven Shepard and his wife, Susan of Abilene, Texas, Scott Shepard and his wife, Holly of Fredericksburg, Texas, Johnny Shepard and his wife, Kay of Lubbock, Texas, James Shepard and his wife, Jennifer of Nixon, Texas and Jack Shepard and his wife, Karri of Cross Plains, Texas; his three sisters, Donna Lindsey of Murrieta, California, Jan Moss of Arlington, Texas and Charlotte Davis of Sunrise Beach, Texas; eleven grandchildren, Stephanie Casey, Will Shepard, Emma Shepard, Maggie Shepard, Collin Shepard, Grant Shepard, John Shepard, Sidney Shepard, Jackilann Shepard, Madilynn Shepard and Abbigale Shepard; and two great-grandchildren, Sutton Casey and Sawyer Casey.

The family suggests memorials be sent to Masonic Home and School, 338 Grapevine Highway, Hurst, Texas, 76054