Life story

" James B. Shelton the man, the myth, the legend, Army Veteran, artist, pioneer of Cable Television, connoisseur of tube socks, lover of black licorice, and fan of all things discounted and free has left the building. James left a legacy of memories, stories, and laughter that his family will pass down for many generations, and possible showcase in a novel. He did what he wanted to do, how he wanted to do it, and when he wanted it done. He lived his life, his way.

Born on December 20, 1948 to William Howard Shelton & Evelyn Elizabeth Shelton in Washington D.C., he was destined to be an entrepreneur. He met and married the love of his life in Brooklyn, NY, Elizabeth Ann Shelton, and had 4 amazing children. I mean really, really, really amazing, especially that third child. James was a veteran of the U.S. Army as well as a very talented artist. He spent a lot of time teaching his children penmanship, drawing, and painting. He taught them how to catch birds using a big plastic dome and a stick and excelled at teaching them all the art of separating laundry. He was the fun dad, the best cook, and always wanted his children to be better and have more than he did.

He started a business, J.C. Mason, and was one of the first contractors to install cable television in the United States of America. He started his business in North Carolina, moved to Kansas, and landed in Colorado where he spent most of his primary years. This was a family business, and if you worked for James you were family. He surrounded himself with those he loved the most and did his best to make sure everyone was taken care of. He was a great leader, a terrible follower, but he led like a King!

James LOVED Colorado. He was a mountain man cowboy at heart and loved going to the mountains and smelling the fresh air. He managed a band and booked R&B concerts in the most unlikely, yet enjoyable, small towns in the Rocky Mountains. He loved museums, amusement parks, the zoo, and the Denver Broncos. He enjoyed cooking for large gatherings and socializing, he would never turn down an invitation to sit, eat, drink, and have great conversation. He left a lasting impression on so many lives (not always good) and he will be greatly missed by all. We will all remember his storytelling abilities and laugh, then stop and think “What?”, and then laugh even more!

James was an amazing artist. His creativity was beautiful and it brought him joy to paint, draw, build, and create pieces that people loved. He truly believed another man’s trash was his treasure and he made sure he provided those treasures to almost every family member and friend. He loved finding things at a discount, especially free, and turning it into a gift for a loved one. He made things beautiful and that was his gift to this world.

James passed away on February 2, 2021 in Washington D.C., I’m sure he is not happy about this. He is survived by his children, only son Andra Shelton, Angela Shelton-Bennett (William), Nikki Owens (Ronald), and Jaime Shelton; his most loved grandchildren Taija Shelton-Bennett, Allison Shelton-Bennett, Kimberly Shelton-Johnston, Olivia Owens, and Ronald “Lil Chris” Owens III, and his great-grandson Maverick Bennett. His beloved sister Doris “Judy” Lomax (Horace), who will miss him greatly; loved cousins Christine Carter and Stanley “Stan” Carter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

He also leaves behind a very special adopted daughter LaToy Taylor and her children, his grandchildren Nya Taylor, Aaliyah Taylor, and Javon Taylor; great grandchildren London Howard and Lyric Howard whom he loved dearly. Loved niece Tamarrah Rhoda, her husband Ricky Rhoda, and great-niece Kristen Rhoda; nephew Aaron Potts, his wife Aundrea Potts, and his great-niece Nautica Potts; and cherished friend Christine Stewart and her children, his nieces Barbara Jones and Annett Gleason, and nephews George Gleason and Ted Gleason. He will be greatly missed by his dear friend Marta Wiser and her sister Rebecca who both tried, but yet failed, to get him tattooed.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Shelton, his parents Howard and Evelyn Shelton, beloved brothers Charles Shelton, William “Billy” Shelton (Peggy), Leonard Shelton, Morris Shelton, Michael Shelton (Brenda) and loved nephew William “Boo Boo” Green; loved cousin Carolyn Carter-Seth; parent-in-laws Talmadge and Elizabeth Mack, brother-in-law Talmadge “Thomas” Mack and sister-in-law Danage Hunt; beloved and cherished friends June and Shirley Potts.

In honor of his life please donate to a non-profit that supports Arts Education, help others leave this world with something beautiful.

Services will be held via zoom on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 1:00PM. Arrangements are being taken care of by Nikki Owens (third child).

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