James Shifler

James E. "Jim" Shifler, age 92, formerly of Boonsboro, Maryland, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020, in Crowborough, England. He is survived by his second wife of 44 years, Doreen Rose Ann (Lee) Shifler, and his son, Wayne.

Jim is preceded in death by his first wife of 24 years, Ruth (Baker) Shifler, who died in 1974, his other son, Dale, who died in 2014, and his stepson, David Lee Miles, who died in 2006. He is also preceded in death by his father and mother, Shirley Siebert and Ellen Mae (Easterday) Shifler, his sister, Elfleta Reeder, and his brothers, Siebert, Charles, and Woodrow.

Jim was born in Myersville, Maryland on October 26, 1927. When he was five, his family relocated to Washington County, eventually moving to a farm on Alternate Route 40. Once there, Jim attended the Boonsboro Schools, graduating in 1946.

After graduation, Jim enlisted in and provided honorable service in the United States Navy for two years. In 1947, he accompanied explorer Robert Byrd on an expedition to the South Pole.

Jim began his work life as a Meter Reader and Service Man for Potomac Edison in Boonsboro. After nine years, he also worked part-time as an insurance agent for the Nationwide Insurance Company. As his business flourished, Jim left Potomac Edison to work as a full-time insurance agent for the next 25 years, retiring in 1987.

Upon his retirement, Jim and his wife, Ann, were flown aboard the company airplane to Columbia, Ohio, to be honored by the Board of Directors. There, Jim was made the Dean of the President`s Club. In 1992, he was elected along with seven other agents out of 5000 across the country to the newly established Nationwide Insurance Hall of Fame. Jim often said that he could not have been so successful without the support of both his wives. In 2013, he also wrote an autobiography, "You Can’t Outgive God," in which he attributed his success in life to God.

Jim was a member of Benevola United Methodist Church in Boonsboro, where he was active in leadership roles and a proud tither since 1956. Following his retirement, Jim devoted his life to charitable causes. He was a volunteer for the United Way and president of the Washington County branch of the American Cancer Society, for which founded the annual Cancer Society Sunday Brunch, raising over $500,000 for cancer research. In 1992, he was named the Maryland American Cancer Society’s "Volunteer of the Year."

For over 14 years, Jim was on the Board of the Salvation Army and a major contributor to that charity’s campaign to build a new facility, which was ultimately named the Jim Shifler Family Center in Hagerstown. In addition, throughout his life, Jim donated over 23 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. Finally, Jim, an avid golfer (and proud to have scored three hole-in-ones) spent countless hours gathering lost golf balls, which he washed and placed in egg baskets, and then sold to other golfers in the community, donating the money to charity.

In 2016, Jim moved to England to enjoy his final years with his wife, Ann. There, he was a member of the All Saints Church in Crowborough, where he was beloved by many for his generosity and kindness. As one member noted, "once met, never forgotten."

A memorial service to celebrate Jim`s life will be held at the Benevola United Methodist Church on February 10th at 10:30 a.m. He will be buried in private ceremony alongside his first wife and son.

Memorial donations may be made to the Boonsboro Ambulance and Rescue Company #69, Post Office Box 7, Boonsboro Maryland, 21713; or the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire Company, 5 Saint Paul Street, Boonsboro, Maryland 21713.