James J. Shea
October 5, 1932 — July 28, 2009
James J. Shea died Tuesday, July 28, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at the Selma Markowitz Care Center, in Newark, operated by Hospice of Central Ohio. He was born October 5, 1932 in South Hadley, Mass. to the late Mabel (Favreau) and James R. Shea.
Jim graduated from Tabor Academy and attended Fordham University. He worked for AG Spalding Sporting Goods Company for 20 years, ultimately becoming National Sales Manager and the youngest member on the Board of Directors. In 1971, he worked with Alan Shepard and the Apollo 14 crew to develop the first golf ball hit on the moon. Jim went on to become President of Faultless Golf Company where he worked closely with professional golfers, including Lee Trevino and Lee Elder, to develop their own golf club lines. In 1976, he partnered with Bob Toski to create Bob Toski Custom Golf Clubs, where he was president and co-owner until selling the company in 1996. He then was a consultant and on the Board of Directors until retiring.
True to his Irish decent, Jim had a great zest for life. He greatly enjoyed family, golfing, football and traveling extensively, where he was lucky enough to have visited 48 countries.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Janet, of Granville; son, Todd Shea of Jacksonville, Fl; daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Neil Butt of Granville, Tracey and Bill Fleitz of Granville, and Laura and Mike Duncan of Granville; six grandchildren, Jessica, Joshua, and Megan Butt, and Christopher, Kate, and Claire Duncan; and canine companion " Dempsey".
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mabel Shea and his sisters, Joan Keebaugh, Mary Carol Winslow,and Barbara Mahoney.
A private graveside service was held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Granville. A memorial Mass in his honor will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church, 785 Newark-Granville Road in Granville on November 7, 2009 at 5 p.m. A gathering celebrating the life of Jim will be held for his friends and family, Sunday, August 9, 2009 from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Cherry Valley Lodge, 2299 Cherry Valley Road, Newark.
Arrangements are in the care of McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home in Granville. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, Ohio 43055 or The Jones Fund, Head and Neck Cancer Research amd Development Fund, Ohio State Medical Center Development, P.O. Box 183112, 660 Ackerman Road, Columbus, Ohio 43218-3112.