James Shea II

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James ("Jimmy") C Shea II on Friday February 19, 2021 at the young age of 60. James was born in the small town of Tottenville, Staten Island, the youngest of three children. He was a fun loving man with a big mouth and even bigger heart. Anyone James met was considered family. In his youth James became an eagle scout and helped lead Troop 21. James would often remark with pride of his time "building America" working in construction in New York.  His passion for animals extended from feeding the deer in his backyard to owning and operating a successful kennel business in Staten Island for two decades. He was known as Jimmy dogs throughout Staten Island and beloved by all he met.

Jimmy loved being the center of attention and always commanded the room. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed shouting at the TV every Football Sunday. Often times he could be heard chanting for miles. He took great pleasure in yelling the J-E-T-S chant when leaving restaurants, to the eternal embarrassment of his children.

Family was everything to James – his proudest achievement in life was raising his three children and watching them grow into the loving and caring people they are today. Jimmy married his loving wife Stacey Ryan Shea on April 21, 2001. They went on multiple camping trips and made many memories.  Jimmy was constantly surrounded by family and wanted his house to always be the party house regardless of what the neighbors wanted. He was known for his quips, one-liners, and go-to sayings such as "I'm off like a prom dress" or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic" because he loved to make people laugh. He loved cooking for Stacey, golf, Sinatra and taking care of others. James had a passion for helping people which he continued to pursue in his job at Comfort Care. He loved to bring smiles to all the residents and his coworkers. One day James saw a wish list from a resident and immediately went home and bought a lipstick to make her day better. This is just one of the countless selfless things Jimmy did. He always left a lasting impression on anyone he met. Jimmy lived every day to the fullest and wouldn't have it any other way. In Frank Sinatra's words, he lived his life "My Way."

In addition to countless friends, James is survived by his loving wife, Stacey Ryan Shea, his sons James C Shea III and James Ryan, and his daughter Alexis Rae Nilsen and son in law Michael Nilsen. He is also survived by his brother Joseph Kneuer and his wife Annette Kneuer, countless Brother- & Sister-in-laws and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents James C Shea and Evelyn C Shea, and his sister, Cecilia Eagle.

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