JAMES CARTER SHELFORD, 87, loving husband and father of five children, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Fort Wayne, Ind.  Born on March 16, 1931 in Pontiac, Mich., Jim was the son of the late Carl and Lillian Shelford, and was the oldest of two children. He graduated from Pontiac High School in 1949, where he excelled in track and hockey.  Shortly after high school, Jim started his 36-year career with General Motors.  Jim completed his Tool & Die apprenticeship with General Motors in Pontiac and was a member of the Michigan National Guard during his first years out of high school.

On Feb. 3, 1951, Jim married Helen J. Roach of Union Lake, Mich. and they raised three daughters, Lynne, Lori, and LeeAnn; and two sons, David andTim. In 1956, Jim was asked to transfer to Marion, Ind. where he helped start up the new Fisher Body Tool & Die manufacturing plant. He worked there until retirement in 1986.  While he lived in Marion, he was an active member of the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge in Marion and served as Exalted Ruler. Jim was an avid golfer and he helped plan and develop the Elks golf course that still exists today. He also loved fishing and hunting and enjoyed these pastimes throughout his life.  After retirement, Jim and Helen moved to Lake Leelanau near Traverse City, Mich. where they built their lake home and developed several other properties. Jim had many friends and was physically active outdoors; building homes and clearing woodlands and shorelines throughout his life. The family remembers the wonderful camping vacations throughout the country where he taught his children how to water ski, play Euchre, and enjoy the outdoors.  "Jim's love of life and competitive spirit will be missed."

He is survived by his five children, Lynne (John) Bruder, David (Linda) Shelford, Lori (Chris) Dakoske, Tim (Kimberly) Shelford and LeeAnn (Gary) Sulenski; his sister, Ann Marion; and 13 grandchildren; Jana, Jill, Jim, Kara, Michael, Sara, David, Emily, Tim, Katie, John, Laura, Dale, and 18 great-grandchildren. Jim was also preceded in death by his wife, Helen; and three granddaughters; Kathy Shelford, Jennifer Shelford and Heather Shelford.  "The family wants to thank Coventry Meadows and Heart to Heart Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion." Jim will be buried in Suttons Bay, Mich. with a private family ceremony.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2417 Getz Road, Fort Wayne (IN 46804), where Jim was an active member.