James F. Shults, age 89, passed away peacefully at an assisted living residence in Colleyville, TX on May 26, 2024. He was born September 10, 1934 in Rising Star, TX to Florence Pearl (Davis) and Raymond M. Shults. His family moved to Hobbs, N.M where he grew up. An athlete in high school, class of 1953, James was lucky to be coached and mentored by the new basketball coach, Ralph Tasker. Remembering his love of Eagle Basketball will always be cherished. After graduating high school, James joined the Navy, serving his country during the Korean conflict. After leaving the service for a number of years he answered the bell again in 1966 during the Vietnam conflict and reenlisted. The Aircraft Carrier, USS Boxer was his ship during this period. He was always proud of his time in the service. After his discharge, he returned to Hobbs, beginning a career servicing the public at your local supermarket. His outgoing personality (flirt) and charming smile, made him a patron favorite. Plus, he was really good at math and could easily add prices in his head; a good asset when each item had to be entered manually. This skill with numbers made him a formidable card player and "forty-two" player. No matter what the game, James was a tenacious and willful player. And he played a lot. From bowling to ping pong, to his beloved round of golf, where he amazingly recorded nine "Holes in One" during his lifetime. James was an active member of the Eagle and Moose lodges in Hobbs. He enjoyed square dancing and deer hunting. James and his second wife Helen moved to Fort Worth, TX in 1982 where he became a Federal Police officer; achieving rookie of the year honors. Several years later he was awarded the prestiges "National Police officer of the Year". It was an exciting time for them both. Later James transferred to the National Treasury Engraving Plant in Fort Worth where he worked until retirement. Purchasing an RV and joining the Sams Club group was the next adventure for this couple. They camped all over the United States. Seeing old friends and making new ones as they traveled. Enjoying the fruits of their labor. It was always nice to get home though, relaxing to the ever-present sound of symphonic stringed instruments associated with Jamess favorite western movie or tv show of his day. James was preceded in death by his son Kevin Shults and step-daughter Jeanene Milligan. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Helen Shults; son, Dwayne Shults and his wife Kelly; sister, Willie Hicks; step-daughter, Tricia Sullins; step-son, David Kevin Sullins and his wife Grace; two nieces, Sandra Mitchel and her husband David, Barbara Wagnor and her husband Charlie; mother to his son, Jenny Goldsmith and three precious grandchildren, Rebecca Shults, Eric Shults and Jovita Garza Sullins. James will be missed by all who knew him. Services are being planned and will be announced at a later date.