Sheldon Lee James

Sheldon Lee James, a U.S. Army sergeant, passed away peacefully in the evening of Wednesday, February 14, 2024, with his wife at his side. For the last two years, he courageously battled metastatic lung cancer. Throughout the intense treatment regimen, he retained the same grace and strength of will that made him a man respected, appreciated, and loved by those who knew him. 

A passion for helping others was something that motivated Sheldon. He joined the military after the September 11th terrorist attacks wanting to make a difference. While serving in the U.S. Army, he was deployed overseas for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was proud to serve in the 1st Armored Division 3rd Brigade Combat Team 4th Battalion 1st Field Artillery.  He was wounded in the conflict and honorably discharged from service following his homecoming. Aside from his military service, Sheldon worked at the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with positions held as site-safety manager at various chemical plants. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed working/rebuilding old cars, completing home improvement projects his wife dreamed up, and spending time with his family. He especially liked going to the movies with his sons. Later in life, he dabbled in acting, typically cast as an extra with whom you probably wouldn’t want to start a fight. He also collaborated on film-adjacent work with John Schneider Studios. He got a real kick out of knowing one of the Dukes of Hazzard. 

Sheldon also created and administered his non-profit organization Racing4Vets, which sought to raise money, aid and awareness for veterans suffering from homelessness. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Leland James, mother, Melody Shown, and sister, Kathy James.

Sheldon is survived by his wife, Elizabeth James; his brother, Bill James (Laura Bohannon); and his two sisters, Tammy James and Summer Call. He is also survived by five sons, Chris James (Kirstie), Seth James (Erica Blevins), Mason James (Lexi Naquin), Morgan Burns, and Harper Burns; three grandchildren, Grayson James, Brice James, and Lilly James; his nieces Andrea James, and Amanda James LaVigne (Kyle) and her daughters, Audrey Renee Riley and Abby Rose Riley; his mother and father-in-law, Ann and Bill Tuttle; his brother-in-law, Bill Tuttle (Monica) and their children Cade Calloway, Meredith Tuttle, Madeleine Tuttle and Gus Tuttle; as well as numerous other loving family and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Broadmoor Baptist Church, 9755 Goodwood Boulevard in Baton Rouge, officiated by Rev. Bobby Rayburn. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 12:30 p.m. The family will attend a private interment, with military honors, at Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary, Louisiana.

Much appreciation to Dr. Vince Cataldo, Nurse Practitioner Eunice Benson with VA Palliative Care, and everyone at St. Joseph’s Hospice for their tireless care, especially Jamie Hall and Melissa Mistretta. Thanks as well to the countless people who sent prayers, visited, or otherwise gave support through this time. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to any VA Program for Homeless Veterans, PTSD, or any cancer-research center of your choosing. 

 To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family, please visit www.resthavenbatonrouge.com