James "Jim" Shell

James “Jim” Shell, 69, of Morganton, NC passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 19, 2016.  Born in Cook County, IL on May 12, 1946, he was the son of the late Nellis Roosevelt Shell and Alvera Mildred Nessel Shell.  Jim was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.  He retired from Carolina Restaurant Group, having worked at several restaurants.  Jim was currently driving a school bus for Burke County Public Schools.  He also sold breads and jams at the Morganton Farmers Market and the Banner Elk Farmers Market.  He also sold at several Honda Goldwing motorcycle rallies over the years.

Jim is survived by his children, Michael C. Shell of Lexington, NC, Tonja Shell Artz of Chapel Hill, NC, Mark J. Shell and his wife, Heather, of Morganton, Andrew R. Shell and his wife, Sunianne, of Morganton, and Miriam Shell of Morganton; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Richard Shell and his wife, Vickie, of Morganton; a nephew, Chris Shell and his wife, Lynn; and a niece, Dawn Shell Byrd and her husband, Dee.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Michael “Mickey” Shell.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 8 p.m., Monday, March 28, 2016 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA  22312.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.