James Shea of Stony Brook, N.Y., departed from this “spactacular” world on October 13, 2013, leaving behind four generations who loved and admired him and will forever miss his magnificent, uplifting presence in their lives.
Jim was born on February 21, 1933, in Baldwin, N.Y., the eighth of Mary and Joseph Shea’s eleven beloved children. He attended St. Christopher School and Baldwin High School and served as a radioman in the U.S. Navy. He wed the love of his life, Arline Hemmy, on June 10, 1955. They were married until parted by Arline’s death in St. James, N.Y., on February 6, 1985. He was the devoted and adored father of Carolyn of Olympia, Wash., Bryan of Brewster, N.Y., and John of Falmouth, Maine.
For 32 years, up until his death, Jim was employed by The New York Times as a skilled stereotyper who helped to get the newspaper printed and out to readers. A former vice president of the stereotypers’ union, he enjoyed and cared about the work he did, the people he worked with, and the newspaper he worked on. He previously helped produce the newspapers of Il Progresso and The New York Herald Tribune and the comics of King Features Syndicate.
Jim was also a successful entrepreneur. With his brothers Bill and Frank, he owned and operated William’s Fifth Avenue tavern on East 13th Street in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village during the early 1960s. He earned his real estate broker’s license in the 1970s, and for more than 30 years, he helped people find homes on Long Island when he worked at Vigilant Realty and then several of his own firms, including James K. Shea Real Estate in Smithtown, N.Y.
From childhood, Jim excelled in athletics. In high school, he lettered in football, baseball, and wrestling. During the 1970s, he began daily, long-distance running, a practice he kept up for decades. He ran in numerous races and in 1979, at age 46, he qualified for the Boston Marathon, which he finished in 3:06. Always active, he turned to dedicated walking later in life. A true-blue New York Yankees fan, he played on several Long Island senior league softball teams, including the New York Statesmen, starting when he was 64 years old and continuing until he was 79. He loved the sport thoroughly and won respect and honors for his speed, batting skills, and prowess in the outfield. He competed in games and tournaments all over the country.
Throughout his life, Jim remained close to friends from his youth in Baldwin who banded together, calling themselves The Saints, and regularly met for reunions over the years.
Jim worked hard and played hard. He had many hobbies and interests, including reading, woodworking, boating, clamming, doing (and finishing) New York Times crossword puzzles, traveling, antique collecting and attending to the well-being of loved ones. A creative problem solver and superb craftsman, he was meticulous about every detail of every project he undertook—and he always had different projects going on. He possessed a real genius for making everything he touched beautiful and right.
An inspiration and role model to many, Jim was the doting and much-adored grandfather of eight: Erin and Heather Genia; Marisa, Lisa, and Cristina Shea; and James, Brandon, and Matthew Shea. He was the beloved great-grandfather of Samuel, Alexandra, and Ruby Genia. And he was the dear father-in-law of Suzanne Shea.
Jim is survived by his brothers Bill, Frank, Tom, and Michael; his sister Margaret Dunn; sisters-in-law Lois Shea, Elsa Shea, and Gloria Paull; brother-in-law Art Hemmy; and dozens of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Joseph, Jack, Paul, Catherine, and Mary.
On October 18, 2013, many of Jim’s relatives, friends, coworkers, and teammates crowded into the Bryant Funeral Home in Setauket, N.Y., for a memorial service to pay tribute to his well-lived life.
Jim’s charisma and upbeat nature endeared him to everyone he met. He possessed a positive, can-do attitude, a sharp wit, and an infectious laugh. He was unfailingly generous and helpful, but modest about his good deeds—as well as his accomplishments. He cherished his family and friends, valued fairness, quality, and good humor, and lived each day to the fullest. He was a determined, independent spirit who achieved much, helped many, and made the world a far better place. He is remembered dearly and profoundly missed.