1948
James
2020
James Newton Shoap
October 6, 1948 — January 26, 2020
First Sergeant James Newton Shoap, of McKinney, TX, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the age of 71.
James was born to parents Wayne and Ruth Shoap on October 6, 1948 in Washington, DC. He grew up as the eldest of three. He was a hardworker his entire life, securing his first job delivering newspapers at the age of 10 and working full time starting in high school. James attended Ruston High School in Ruston, Louisiana where he was active in track. Upon graduation, he attended Louisiana Tech where he obtained his first bachelor's degree in Mathematics. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Vietnam War as an Airborne Ranger in the 101st Airborne Division.
It was in 1976, two years after returning from Vietnam, that James met the love of his life, Deborah. He swore when she walked into the room the night they met, he saw a halo above her head and knew they would be married. And although she had sworn she'd never wed a military man, the attraction was mutual and they married just two and a half months after they met and raised three children together. They would spend the next 43 years, 37 days, and 17 hours together on this earth.
As James neared the end of his 21-year military career, he decided to go back to college. He received two bachelor's degrees from North Georgia College in 1992, one in Accounting and one in Computer Science. It was his degree in computer science that he was most interested in, and upon the conferment of his degree, he began his second career as a computer programmer, which he did for another 21 years until he retired from Southwest Airlines in 2014 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
James will be remembered for his robust laughter, unwavering commitment to his family, ear-piercing whistle, and zeal for adventure.
James is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah; their daughters Brandy Roane and Tammy Turner; their six grandchildren; and his brother and sister. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Ruth, and his son, Stephen Shoap.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 2:30pm at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church in Plano, TX. Honorary pallbearers for the service are Jon Turner, James Brightwell, Lindsey Brightwell, Stephen Brightwell, Kevin Turner, Joseph Roane, Elijah Roane, and Kaylee Sebunia. The family asks those planning to attend wear jeans in honor of James, as he was happiest in denim and a polo. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Alzheimer's Association in James's honor.
"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortal." – Emily Dickinson
James was born to parents Wayne and Ruth Shoap on October 6, 1948 in Washington, DC. He grew up as the eldest of three. He was a hardworker his entire life, securing his first job delivering newspapers at the age of 10 and working full time starting in high school. James attended Ruston High School in Ruston, Louisiana where he was active in track. Upon graduation, he attended Louisiana Tech where he obtained his first bachelor's degree in Mathematics. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Vietnam War as an Airborne Ranger in the 101st Airborne Division.
It was in 1976, two years after returning from Vietnam, that James met the love of his life, Deborah. He swore when she walked into the room the night they met, he saw a halo above her head and knew they would be married. And although she had sworn she'd never wed a military man, the attraction was mutual and they married just two and a half months after they met and raised three children together. They would spend the next 43 years, 37 days, and 17 hours together on this earth.
As James neared the end of his 21-year military career, he decided to go back to college. He received two bachelor's degrees from North Georgia College in 1992, one in Accounting and one in Computer Science. It was his degree in computer science that he was most interested in, and upon the conferment of his degree, he began his second career as a computer programmer, which he did for another 21 years until he retired from Southwest Airlines in 2014 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
James will be remembered for his robust laughter, unwavering commitment to his family, ear-piercing whistle, and zeal for adventure.
James is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah; their daughters Brandy Roane and Tammy Turner; their six grandchildren; and his brother and sister. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Ruth, and his son, Stephen Shoap.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 2:30pm at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church in Plano, TX. Honorary pallbearers for the service are Jon Turner, James Brightwell, Lindsey Brightwell, Stephen Brightwell, Kevin Turner, Joseph Roane, Elijah Roane, and Kaylee Sebunia. The family asks those planning to attend wear jeans in honor of James, as he was happiest in denim and a polo. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Alzheimer's Association in James's honor.
"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortal." – Emily Dickinson
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Newton Shoap, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Life Celebration
Saturday, February 8, 2020
2:30 - 3:30 pm (Central time)
Preston Meadow Lutheran Church
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