James Donley Shockley

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Saint Charles Christian Church or Volunteers in Medicine. Shockley, James Donley, age 73, of St. Charles, Missouri, died February 6, 2008 at St. Joseph's Health Center surrounded by his loving family as a result of recurrent cancer. He was born September 23, 1934 in Vienna, MO, the son of James W. and Viola (West) Shockley. He grew up in Vienna and after graduation from high school, joined the US Navy which he served during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge in 1955, he moved to St. Louis and went to work for General Motors. In 1957 Don was married to Leila (Ricker) Shockley. They moved to St. Charles in 1960. He was employed with General Motors until 1970 when he left to open his own business. He owned Jim's Standard Service Station on 5th Street, which was in front of Noah's Ark for 8 years. At that time he began employment at Russ Nixon Auto Supply from which he retired. He also worked as a dispatcher for Texas Towing for 3 years. He was a Muscle Car Enthusiast. He enjoyed drag raising (building and racing them) and NASCAR. In 1986 he bought his dream car, a 1969 Yenko Camaro. It was in terrible condition and took a few years to find the correct parts to restore it to its original condition. He enjoyed going to car shows showing off his Pride and Joy. He spent time talking with other car enthusiasts from all over the U.S. The car has been written up in many car magazines and was the feature article in Super Chevy Magazine in August, 2004. His crowning glory was when he won Best In Class at the Super Chevy Car Show in Kansas City in 2007. He was a member of the Gateway Camaro Car Club and the Yenko Supercar Club. He was a very knowledgeable mechanic and very good at building motors, especially big blocks and even had another project in progress. He was a member of Vienna Masonic Lodge #94 of Vienna, MO, The Scottish Rite of St. Louis, as a 32 degree Mason, former Elk's Lodge member #690, and a member of the American Legion. He was a long time member of the St. Charles Christian Church since 1960 and served the church in the capacity of Elder, Deacon, Trustee and Youth Sponsor. His family would like to acknowledge all the staff at SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles, and the Missouri Cancer Care Center on Kisker Road. A special thanks to Dr. Luedke, Dr. Peter, Dr. Siler and Dr. Richardson and all the nurses and nurse technicians on 5D, 6th floor, Out Patient Surgery, and Recovery Room. The family is very grateful for the excellent care. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leila; daughter Constance Elaine Shockley and son James Keith Shockley and wife Angela; three grandchildren, Brittany Aleigh, Kyle Richard, and Sarah Margaret Shockley, all of St. Charles; two sister Helen Finn of O'Fallon, and Judy Harbison of St. Peters; dear brother-in-law of Gerald and Marge Ricker of Wright City, MO., Norman and Jeanne Ricker of Escondido, California, and Norene Wright of Belleville, Illinois. Preceded in death by his parents and sister Betty Jones, brothers-in-law Charles Finn, Gene Jones and Albert Wright. Dear uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend.