James Elbert Shetler
April 16, 1931 – October 7, 2025

James Elbert Shetler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at the age of 94.

Born on April 16, 1931, in Syracuse, New York, James was the eldest of six children of Elbert L. Shetler and Catherine H. (McLaughin) Shetler. He grew up in the Syracuse area and graduated from Port Byron Central School, where he played on both the basketball and baseball teams — a love of sports that would last his entire life.

After high school, James proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1951 to 1954. Stationed with the 793rd Military Police Battalion in Nurnberg, Germany, he was also a member of the Nurnberg Military Post traveling basketball team. For his honorable service during the Korean War era, he was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal.

Following his military service, James pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree from Cortland State and later a master's degree from Worcester State. He went on to dedicate 33 years to educating young minds as a junior high school math teacher first in Holden and then Westborough, Massachusetts, retiring in 1993.

It was during his early teaching years at Armstrong Elementary School in Westborough that James met the love of his life, Margaret (Ilsley). The two married in 1964 and shared a devoted partnership filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support.

James was a devoted father who never missed one of his children's sporting events or music performances. He found joy in the simple things — family dinners, spending time with the family pets (especially Slinky), bowling leagues, card games, and annual camping trips to Cape Cod. He was an avid reader, especially of World War II history, and a passionate lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Margaret Shetler; his son Robert Shetler and wife Cheryl Morrison; his daughter Cindy Kellett and husband Ron Kellett; and his cherished grandchildren, Kolby and Brianna Kellett. James is also survived by his siblings John and Maureen, and is predeceased by his sisters Betty, Janice, and Kathleen.

James's life will be celebrated on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., with a memorial prayer service at 3:30 p.m. at MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA.

He will be remembered for his deep love of family, his quiet strength, and his steady presence in the lives of those who knew him. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught — in and out of the classroom — and in the hearts of those who loved him.

In lieu of flowers we kindly ask that you donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, online at: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/