- Born on: October 29, 1949
- Departed on: July 3, 2024
- Resided in: Des Moines, IA
James “Ed” Edward Shelley
James “Ed” Edward Shelley, 74, of Des Moines, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Fleur Heights Nursing Home in Des Moines, IA.
James was born on October 29, 1949 in Guthrie Center, IA. The son of Emerson Lyle Shelley and Delores Irene Sheeder.
Ed was a graduate of Guthrie Center High School, class of 1967, where he played football for the Guthrie Center Tigers and made state 3 years in a row. He attended college in Southern Iowa. Ed was a jack of many trades and would later have many occupations. Ed was a radio disc jockey for WSDR in Chicago for 5 years. Ed shared his love for photography with many in his life. He traveled around being a freelance photographer in different states and in local studios. Later in life, Ed had a roofing company which he enjoyed.
Ed’s hobbies were just as varied as his professional life. He was an avid fisherman, pool shark, and a talented photographer. He had a love for the Raccoon River, where he would catch some of the biggest catfish of his life. He enjoyed blackjack and poker and had a knack for counting cards, which would often times land him in hot water! He loved football and baseball and had a passion for cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and the New York Yankees.
He is survived by a daughter, Tabitha (Eric) Granzow of Waukee; a son Troy (Mary) Shelley of West Des Moines; a brother Darryl (Tina) Whitman of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Carol Winters of Cedar Rapids, and Glenda (Jeff) Alderson of Walker; and three grandchildren, Jace Wilson, Ashton Granzow, and Landen Granzow.
James is preceded in death by his parents; Emerson Lyle Shelley and Delores Irene Sheeder.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 13th at 9 AM at the Waukee Cemetery.
