James D. (Dan) Shelton

Jan. 7, 1942 – July 10, 2015James D. (Dan) Shelton, age 73, passed away Friday, July 10, 2015 in the Big Horn Mountains east of Greybull, Wyo. Dan died in an ATV accident pursuing his passion of exploring our western lands and history. South Big Horn County Search and Rescue found him with his dog and companion, Vegas, by his side.Dan was born in Brownsville, Pa., on Jan. 7, 1942, to George A. and Wilma L. (Anderson) Shelton. The Sheltons moved to Bridgeton, N.J., where Dan graduated from Bridgeton High in 1960. He attended Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Del., and graduated from Glassboro State College, now Rowan University. While living in Bridgeton, Dan served in the Army National Guard and worked at M.C. Schrank and Jim Smith Car Sales. He married Eileen Smith in 1965 and they had two children, Steven Daniel and James Darrin Shelton.In 1980 Dan fulfilled his lifelong dream by moving his family west where he still resided in Greybull. While living in Greybull, he taught Industrial Arts and later worked for the Town of Greybull until his retirement. Dan was a successful taxidermist, clock restoration specialist, amateur archeologist and paleontologist which kept him busy for the past several years.He truly enjoyed spending time with his two sons and their families. He was a loving father and grandfather who sincerely loved watching his grandchildren grow. He also had a wonderful and very close relationship with his friend, Ron Wendling who was always there for him. Dan also loved hunting, fishing, hiking, shooting, four-wheeling, flying and boating, just to name a few of his many interests.Dan was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Sami Weber. He is survived by his two sons, Steve, wife, Terri and granddaughter, Finley; Jim, wife, Becky and grandchildren, Callie and Evan; brother, George “Andy” Shelton, his wife, Barbara; nephews, Andy “Cheech” Shelton and Michael “Bucky” Shelton; also his wonderful friend, Ron Wendling and his wife, Laurie; also Dan’s great friends back east that he remained in contact with all these years.All the memories we have of you will last an eternity. Dad, you were the best father, son, grandfather, uncle, and brother that you could ever ask for, and most of all, you were our friend. We love you so much dad; it cannot be put into words. You will be dearly missed by all of us. God bless you, Dad.A “Celebration of Dan’s Life” will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Elks BPOE Lodge #1431 in Greybull, Wyoming.Memorials in Dan’s name will be received at Bank of Greybull, 601 Greybull Ave., Greybull, WY, 82426, with a beneficiary of the proceeds to be decided at a later date.Atwood Family Funeral Directors, Inc., assisted the family with arrangements.(PAID OBITUARY)