James Shannon

A BELOVED FATHER AND FAITHFUL HUSBAND

JAMES EDWARD SHANNON

(1933-2017)

James (Jim) Edward Shannon was born April 6, 1933 in Baltimore, MD, a third generation Irish immigrant whose great grandparents (Francis and Mary Shannon) immigrated to the USA in 1860. Jim's father, Edward and grandfather, Bernard, spent their entire lives working and living in Baltimore, but Jim had other plans. Upon graduating from Calvert Hall (an all boy's high school) in Baltimore County in 1951, he decided to join the Air Force. While he enlisted during the Korean War he never saw action in the war, however, his career eventually took him to Korea 15 years later. Trained as a navigator he began his flying career soon after enlistment and flew many missions on reconnaissance and practice bombing flights many in a small cramped compartment in the B-36, the largest American bomber ever produced. During his 20 year career he was stationed at SAC ( Strategic Air Command) bases from Massachusetts, to California and from Texas to Florida, and also spent a year in Korea in 1966 , at Osan Air Base. Osan is located near Songtan Station , South Korea, 64 km south of Seoul. His stationing was at the peak of the Vietnam War. While there he had several assignments on military bases in South Vietnam working with the military police breaking up drug trafficking rings that were rampant on the bases. I believe this is where he got his first interest in law enforcement.

Jim first met his wife to be, Kathleen, rehearsing for a high school play in 1951. Kathleen went to Seton High an all girl's school across town. Apparently they both shared a passion for the theatre which served them well in life. They were married two years later at the age of 20 on June 13, 1953. They started married life together driving cross country to California and went on to see much of America for the next 20 years, raising 5 children in the intervening years. Kathy, (1954), Mike, (1955), Diane, (1959), Laura (1961) and Timothy (1964). A good Catholic family indeed!!

Jim retired from active military service in 1972 as a young man of 38 and decided to move the family to Orlando, Florida. With the help of the GI Bill, he immediately enrolled in college with a goal of starting a new career. Jim spent the next 6 years of his life, getting an undergraduate degree , then Master's degree in criminology from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL . He worked during the day and went to school at night in order to support a family of 7, with two of his children in college at the same time.

After graduating from Rollins, he started working for the Orange County Sherriff's department and later became a senior detective where he headed up the Crimes Against Persons' Division. A tough job, chasing very bad people for many years, he gained national recognition in Detective Magazine that covered some of his cases. He later transitioned to becoming an expert polygrapher and became one of the most sought after polygraphers in the state of Florida. In 1990, after 17 years of law enforcement he decided to retire for a second time at the age of 57 to enjoy life more. Over the years the family had grown from 5 children to include 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Known as a quiet and private man that loved travel and reading he enjoyed his time at the beach, New Smyrna Beach being his favorite. He was a devout Catholic, and he and Kathleen went to the same church in Orlando, Blessed Trinity, for over 40 years. Jim always said he had two goals in life; first to live to see his 80th birthday and second and most important to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife and best friend. He achieved both of his wishes and then some.

Dad we will miss you, you are gone but not forgotten. Your legacy of honor, respect, faithfulness and hard work will live on with your family.

Affectionately,

Your children

Visitation

Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home
2811 Curry Ford Road
Orlando, FL  32806
Friday, February 10, 2017
6:00pm-8:00pm

Service

Funeral Mass

Blessed Trinity Catholic Church
4545 Anderson Road
Orlando, FL  32812
Saturday, February 11, 2017
11:00am

Memorial Contributions

Coalition for the Homeless
639 W. Central Boulevard
Orlando, FL  32801

American Red Cross, Orlando Chapter
5 N. Bumby Avenue
Orlando, FL  32803