James F. Shemeley, 91, 1st LT.-USMC-Korean War Veteran, passed away on January 22, 2022, at the Largo Medical Center, Largo, Florida. James F. Shemeley was a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and a Veteran of the Korean War. James was a lifelong (37 years) employee serving as a Brand Manager of the Southeast division of frozen foods for the Campbell Soup Company. On August 28, 1930, he was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Clifford and Elizabeth (O’Reilly) Shemeley and obtained his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Marketing from La Salle University.
During First Lieutenant Shemeley’s tour of duty in the US Marine Corps, he was awarded the National Defense Medal and assigned to the Supply Squadron serving in Korea.
Predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Elizabeth Shemeley, and sister, Nancy Rapacchiano, he is survived by his loving family: a brother, Thomas Shemeley of Haddon Township, NJ. Marie Shemeley his loving wife of 67 years of Belleair Beach, Florida; five daughters: Lynne Shemeley of Belleair Beach, Florida; Karen Whitehurst of St Petersburg, Florida; Diane Cross of Clearwater, Florida; Kathy Shemeley of St Petersburg, Florida and Marie Savino of Jacksonville, Florida; and five grandchildren: Spencer, Eileen, Luke, Gage, and Pauline.
Visitation will be 10:00 AM, February 3, 2022, at St Jerome’s Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd, Largo, Florida 33744. A Catholic Mass will follow at 11:00 AM with Father Robert Cadrecha, to officiate. Music will be provided at the mass by Tom Kirk and Erica DiCeglie.
Burial with full military honors will be 1:00 PM, Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, Florida 33744, with the United States Marine Corps and Detachment 54 of the Unites States Marine Corps Auxiliary, to officiate. “SEMPER FI”
Loving Husband, Loving Father, and loved his Country Always…
Jim was my first supervisor at Campbell and he was one of the finest gentleman I have ever met. I’m only sorry that we didn’t communicate more over the years. My very best to the family.
I miss you dad evertday. You’ll always be my hero.
I promise you that I’m taking good care of mom. She asks about you everyday. I know it’s God will that you had to leave this world. When you get to heaven boy are they going to be in awe.
There’s no better man, father, grandfather, husband to mom and hero in this world.
It was my honor and privilege to take care of you in your elder years. But I miss my dad and best friend. Until we meet again. I hope you and O’Leary are playing baseball right now. I love you forever. Thank you for being my dad. ❤🙏