James Frank Shell
James Frank Shell, 95, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
He was the son of the late Cain Tiffen Shell and Rose Marie Masters Shell and was preceded in death by a brother, Norman T. Shell and a sister, Hazel Young.
James grew up in the Avondale community and was a 1950 graduate of Central High School. After he graduated, James served as part of the Railroad Battalion during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad in 1992.
An avid fisherman and hunter, he loved the outdoors. He spent his leisure time camping and was also an extremely talented woodworker.
He was a member of Morris Hill Baptist Church and a former deacon at Avondale Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Shell, and they had just celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in July, son, Danny Ray Shell (Linda), of Maryville, Tn., daughter, Deborah York,(David), of Chattanooga, four grandchildren, Devin York, Matthew Shell, Clayton Shell, Dana Shell, four great grandchildren, Jaxon, Isabella, Ashlyn, Nevaeh, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the Valley View chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Mason officiating. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens – East.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Morris Hill Baptist Church at www.morrishillbaptist.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyView Chapel.com
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.