Graveside service for James Shults, age 75 of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 17, 2026 in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rev. Joseph Fowler officiating. Services are under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
James Earl Shults, a man whose personality truly filled every room he entered, passed away on April 15, 2026. A devoted husband, father, and “consummate entertainer”, James leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, and an endless supply of stories.
Born on February 17, 1951 in Odessa, Texas to the late JL and Recia Jo Shults, James was raised in the heart of West Texas surrounded by a large, close-knit family. He often shared fond memories of family fishing trips, card games, and camping excursions – most notably the scouting trips to the Colorado Mountains led by his father.
James was a proud graduate of Odessa High School class of 1969. He cherished his lifelong friendships from those years and remained an active part of his classmates’ lives, regularly attending reunions and maintaining long-standing bonds. Though drafted shortly after high school, he was spared from service due to a severe allergy to ants – a twist of fate that led him toward his next chapters in ministry and industry.
In 1971, James felt a calling to the ministry and attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri for two years before returning to Odessa. He soon found his stride in the West Texas oil fields, beginning his career driving a commercial truck for Baroid. His talent for connection and business eventually led him to Tretoilite. His career took him to Singapore for three years, where he established himself as a top salesman of oilfield chemicals. Upon returning to the states, James settled in Bevil Oaks, Texas where his civic-minded nature led him to serve as a town Mayor. in 1989, he moved to Ruston, Louisiana, where he eventually retired in 2013 as an account manager for Baker Hughes.
It was in Ruston, in the singles class at Temple Baptist Church, that James met Barbara Thomas. They were married in Valentine’s Day in 1997 and were happily married for almost three decades. James’s faith was his north star. Raised in the church, he then raised his family with those same values, serving throughout his life as a teacher and eagerly participating in mission trips. He was a long-time member of Cook Baptist Church, with whom He and Barbara shared meaningful travels. They enjoyed traveling the United States, from Alaska to Montana, frequently visiting family across the country. James was a legendary joke-teller with an incredible memory; he could hear a punchline once and re-tell it perfectly for years to come.
James was preceded in death by his parents, JL and Recia Jo Shults; sister, Recia; and his brother, John. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Thomas Shults; sons, Jamison Shults and Justin Shults and wife Laurie; daughter-in-law, Heather Thomas Kimmel and husband Cory; his cherished grandchildren: Olivia Shults, Makenna Shults, Phenix Shults, Katherine Shults, William Shults, Bennett Shults, Cade Kimmel, Emma Kimmel, Seth Kimmel, and Eli Kimmel; brother, Larry Shults; and a host of extended family members and friends.
James felt sure of his salvation and eagerly awaits his loved ones in Heaven.
