On Thursday, January 22, 2026, James Buhl Shahan, II, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, foster parent and dedicated servant of Jesus Christ, left this world at the age of 81 to enter into the presence of the Lord.
James was born to James Buhl Shahan and Marjorie Alice Bush on July 28, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY. When James was younger, his favorite activities were fishing with his dad, playing with his cousins and friends, playing with trains, football, and working on the farm. After high school, James attended West Virginia University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, he moved to Memphis, TN to attend Harding Graduate School of Religion and earned a Masters Degree in New Testament. He also completed many hours toward his Masters of Theology also from Harding. James was also later awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
James met his devoted wife, Joyce Marie Greene, in 1968 at Highland Street Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee, a match truly made in heaven. They married on September 20, 1968 and went on to have four children: James Timothy Daniel, Melody Marie, Esther Suzette and Sarah
James Shahan was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. He loved the church and loved sharing the love and warmth of our savior, Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible. James was a faithful member of First Colony Church of Christ for 31 years serving as an International Bible Class Leader, Mission Committee, Prison Ministry, First Family leader, Friendspeak program, Welcome Aboard Group, Movie Under the Moon Mission Outreach and serving as an Elder for many years.
James was preceded in death by his father and mother and his newborn son. He is survived by his wife of 57 years and 4 months, Joyce, his daughters, Melody Weatherford (Philip), Esther Shahan, and Sarah Thompson. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Sheldon Blake Shahan, Abigail Marie Weatherford, Ashley Ella Thompson, Noah Matthew Weatherford, and Stella Grace Thompson. James is also survived by one brother, Dr. William Given (Mary) and their children, Mary Beth Whitford, Daniel Given, Dr. Laura Given and their families.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the First Colony Church of Christ (2140 First Colny Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479). Visitation will be from 10am to 11am followed by the funeral at 11am. For those of you that cannot attend the funeral service in person, an online stream link will be provided at:
firstcolonychurch.org
Burial will follow at 1pm at Houston Memorial Gardens (2426 Cullen Blvd, Pearland, TX 77581).
In lieu of flowers and to honor James’s love for Missions, donations may be made to First Colony Church of Christ Missions at 2140 First Colony Blvd, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.
First Colony Church of Christ
First Colony Church of Christ
Houston Memorial Gardens
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, James Buhl Shahan, II, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, foster parent and dedicated servant of Jesus Christ, left this world at the age of 81 to enter into the presence of the Lord.
James was born to James Buhl Shahan and Marjorie Alice Bush on July 28, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY. When James was younger, his favorite activities were fishing with his dad, playing with his cousins and friends, playing with trains, football, and working on the farm. After high school, James attended West Virginia University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, he moved to Memphis, TN to attend Harding Graduate School of Religion and earned a Masters Degree in New Testament. He also completed many hours toward his Masters of Theology also from Harding. James was also later awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree.
James met his devoted wife, Joyce Marie Greene, in 1968 at Highland Street Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee, a match truly made in heaven. They married on September 20, 1968 and went on to have four children: James Timothy Daniel, Melody Marie, Esther Suzette and Sarah
J. Elizabeth. James’ ministry started in his home state of West Virginia and continued in Arkansas, Hong Kong, China, Haiti, Georgia, and Texas. After 27 years in the ministry, James became a special education teacher in Texas for Angleton School District, Alief School District, Fort Bend ISD, and Harris County Department of Education. He was a beloved teacher for 19 years and was awarded the Teacher of the Year in 2002 at Meadows Elementary School. After retiring at 70, he returned to China to teach with his wife, Joyce. Upon returning to Sugar Land he used his ESL certification to teach international students English until age 78.
James Shahan was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. He loved the church and loved sharing the love and warmth of our savior, Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible. James was a faithful member of First Colony Church of Christ for 31 years serving as an International Bible Class Leader, Mission Committee, Prison Ministry, First Family leader, Friendspeak program, Welcome Aboard Group, Movie Under the Moon Mission Outreach and serving as an Elder for many years.
James was preceded in death by his father and mother and his newborn son. He is survived by his wife of 57 years and 4 months, Joyce, his daughters, Melody Weatherford (Philip), Esther Shahan, and Sarah Thompson. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Sheldon Blake Shahan, Abigail Marie Weatherford, Ashley Ella Thompson, Noah Matthew Weatherford, and Stella Grace Thompson. James is also survived by one brother, Dr. William Given (Mary) and their children, Mary Beth Whitford, Daniel Given, Dr. Laura Given and their families.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the First Colony Church of Christ (2140 First Colny Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479). Visitation will be from 10am to 11am followed by the funeral at 11am. For those of you that cannot attend the funeral service in person, an online stream link will be provided at:
firstcolonychurch.org
Burial will follow at 1pm at Houston Memorial Gardens (2426 Cullen Blvd, Pearland, TX 77581).
In lieu of flowers and to honor James’s love for Missions, donations may be made to First Colony Church of Christ Missions at 2140 First Colony Blvd, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.
I loved Jim (my brother in Christ), and I’m so thankful that God lead Jim to study the Bible with me when I was searching for God’s forgiveness of my sins. Because of Jim’s humble heart and love for God and me, my life was changed and I’ll see Jim again in Heaven. Looking forward to it. Thank you Jimmy!
What a fine fellow he is, choosing to live a life reflecting the Glory of Christ to all those with whom he encountered. Rest in Peace Jim, and may your memory be eternal before our Lord.
On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank you and your staff for your excellent and caring service.
Thank you for all you did to make our mother's funeral special, dignified, and easy for us.
I just can't express to you enough how much we appreciated the kindness and professionalism my family experienced with you and your staff.
Thank you for treating my beloved mother with honor and respect all throughout the process.
Our family will be forever grateful to the owner and staff at Beresford Funeral Services for the excellent services they provided to our family upon the death of our loved one. Everything went smoothly. The planning was easy with everything needed for the funeral provided on sight at reasonable prices with no pressure to spend more than planned. They were flexible with our personal plans, very kind, and considerate from beginning to end. We would definitely recommend Beresford Funeral Services to anyone in need of funeral services.
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