James A. "Jim" Shay

James A. “Jim” Shay, 91 of Sioux City, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving wife of 68 years, Dolores and his three children aided by the compassionate support provided by St. Croix Hospice.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 2, 2021 at Mater Dei Parish, Church of the Nativity of Jesus Christ with Father Bradley C. Pelzel, V.G. as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors by the United States Navy Reserve.  Visitation will be on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with family present at 6:00 p.m. and a parish Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Online condolences may be offered at www.meyerbroschapels.com

On November 3^rd, 1929, five days before the stock market crashed and the Great Depression began, Jim was born in Mapleton Iowa. His parents were Ernest and Winnifred (Pauley) Shay. Jim attended school in Mapleton until age fourteen when he moved to Sioux City to seek employment and help support his family financially.

Jim joined the US Navy in April 1948, at the age of 18, serving as an Aviation Machinist Mate in the Airedales during the Korean Conflict aboard the Midway.  He was honorably discharged, returning to Sioux City where he met the love of his life, Dolores B. McDonald.  They were married and raised three children, Joni, Monica and Patrick. Jim enjoyed his time with his six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Jim was employed by the US Postal Service for 43 years, retiring at age 66 to enjoy his family, daily walks, and 6:00 AM tee times with his golfing buddies. He will be remembered for his kind and generous nature, helping friends and family with any project or problem. He stayed dedicated to his family, even when he was not well, making sure that he did everything possible to make the best life for them.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Julia (Bob) Gruis and June (Gaylen) Lloyd; his wife’s parents Thomas and Elsie McDonald; five sisters-in-law; and six brothers-in-law.

Jim is survived by his wife Dolores; three children Joni (Mike) Sokolowski of Sgt Bluff; Monica (John) Harty of Sioux City; and Patrick (Donna) Shay of Sioux City. Grandchildren include Aaron Sokolowski, Katie (Nick) Krzeminski, Elizabeth Sokolowski, Zachary Harty, Sarah (Joel) Plueger, and Emily (David) Cooper; six Great-Granddaughters and six Great-Grandsons; brother-in-law Vincent (Carol) McDonald; and sisters-in-law Alice Miller and Patty Schwarz.

Memorials can be sent to the St. Croix Hospice or Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve.