James “Jim” Allen Shanks
March 30, 1952 — July 25, 2021
James “Jim” Allen Shanks, 69 of Palmer passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 1:52 a.m. at Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville, Ill. He was born on March 30, 1952 in Taylorville, Ill. He was the son of Charles Joseph and Florence Mae (Mainwaring) Shanks. He married Cynthia “Cindy” Marie Fleming on June 1, 1975 at Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorville. Jim retired as a coal miner and known by many co-workers by his nickname, “Bandit.” He was a long-time, active member of
Calvary Baptist Church and served as a bus route assistant, Sunday school teacher, Life Group leader, and former deacon. He coached little league baseball, YMCA soccer and basketball, and had been a board member of Red Bland Little League. He loved fishing with his sons and grandsons, spending time with family and friends, and meeting together on a regular basis for coffee with friends at McDonalds. He enjoyed reading and helping others. Jim also loved delivering flowers for his daughter-in-law’s flower business (Locust Creek Flower Farm).
He is survived by his wife: Cynthia “Cindy” Shanks of Taylorville; sons: James Andrew and wife Stacey Shanks of Pana, Ill.; Nathan Patrick Shanks and Fiancé Torie Brinkoetter of Springfield, Ill.; grandchildren: Deacon James, Calum Andrew, and Judson Patrick Shanks of Pana, Ill.; Sisters: Leslie and husband (Robert) Stephens of Taylorville, B. Jean and husband (David) Madaus of Taylorville; brothers: Michael and wife (Debra) Shanks of Taylorville, Patrick and wife (Julianna) Shanks of Alabama, Wesley and wife (Lori) Shanks of Florida; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grandparents: Grace Shanks, Charles Shanks, Mary Mainwaring, and Gilbert Mainwaring.
Jim was known by all to be a kind, genuine, loving, caring, fun- loving, selfless person who loved God and helping others and expecting nothing in return.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 16, 2021 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorville, Ill. Funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation starting at 5:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorville, Ill. with Pastor Steve Switzer officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Anderson Cemetery in Palmer, Ill. The family would like to invite everyone to the dinner following the funeral service in the Church gym. The funeral will also be live streamed for anyone that is not able to attend, please contact either James or Nathan for the link.
Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please sign our online guest book at suttonmemorialhome.com
I am so sorry I will not be able to attend the services, I will be out of state. My condolences to the family, Jim was an amazing example of what God intended a husband, father, and family spiritual leader to be.
Loved Jim. So very much respected him-remembering his work ethic, commitment, and fun-loving personality. He will be missed. Our loss is heaven’s gain. We’ll see you again, my friend. Cindy, we love you.