JAMES RAYMOND SHANHOLT
December 16, 1941- April 7, 2015

Elkhart- James R. Shanholt, 73, passed away after an illness Tuesday April 7 2015. James was born in Elkhart to Oca and Mary (Canton) Shanholt. James graduated in 1959 from Elkhart High School and worked many years as a machinist, eventually retiring from Carpenter Corporation. James was involved in many different activities that were close to his heart, he was a member of Elijah''s Fire International Church, as well, as the Moose Lodge, however one of his greatest passions was a love of airplanes. His passion for airplanes and love of helping others led him to the non-profit organization Aluminum Angels, whose mission is dedicated to building planes for medical missions. He was known for his uncanny ability to fix nearly anything which earned him the nickname MacGyver, He was a thoughtful man who was appreciated for his wit and wisdom which he shared generously with friends and family. James and Norma shared many things over the years including a love of collecting teddy bears from places they traveled and from friends and family who knew how much they enjoyed them. Above all, James'' passion and love for his wife Norma and her happiness gave him the greatest joy in life. James is survived by his wife Norma (Richardson) Shanholt, a daughter Laurie (Mike) Gonser, 7 grand children, 3 great-grand children as well as, a daughter-in-law Patricia Shanholt, and his sister Beverly Shanholt, James was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sons, Kent and Darren, a grandson, Kenneth Lambert and a sister Violet Atkinson. Visitation will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home at 10776 McKinley Hwy Osceola In. Monday April 13, 2015 from 4 pm - 8pm with services being officiated by Valeria Smith the following day, Tuesday April 14 2015 at 10am with visitation one hour prior and burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions should be made to Aluminum Angels. To sign the guestbook or leave on-line condolences please go to www.chapelhillmemorial.com