Jimmy Ray Shaw

Jimmy “Jim” Ray Shaw, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Bessemer, Alabama. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim had the biggest heart for helping others and faithfully served his family, friends, and Lord Jesus until his very last breath. Jim was blessed with a servant heart and would drop everything to help anyone he came across. He selflessly cared for his mother in-law for many years, and most recently he cared for his wife. His last act of service was making his wife some ice cream before sitting down, closing his eyes, and meeting his Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven. Jim was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and married the love of his life in January 1958. They were married for 67 years and together raised four wonderful children. Jim spent over 50 years in automotive body repair before retiring from Don Drennen Buick as the Body Shop Manager. He was highly respected in the industry. He had a passion for sports and loved coaching youth baseball and football in the community. He was a mentor to many young men, and throughout the years they would stop to say “Hello” and share the impact that he had on their life. Jim was also a Master Mason at the Jemison Lodge and a part of the Shriners. Jim loved his family, being outside, Alabama sports, and Christmas. Any day, he would have been seen spending time with his children or grandchildren, working his garden, sitting on the porch with his dogs, or watching Alabama football all while enjoying a good cup of coffee and a Little Debbie snack. This past Christmas, he was able to display most of his Christmas decorations and lights and excitedly showed them off to all his friends and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, four children: Chris (Kim), Jeff (Ginger), Teresa Gandy (Rick), and Steve (Marie), 10 grandchildren: Scott, Stuart, Trent, Madison, Anna, Katlyn, Emily, Mary Ashley, Cam, and Sadie, and 7 great-grandchildren. He will be dearly loved and missed by everyone, but we rest assured in the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross that we will see him again one day in Heaven. As he would say “In Jesus’s sweet name, Amen”. Funeral service will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home with burial following at Jefferson Memorial Gardens Hoover. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Jimmy Ray Shaw

April 24, 1937 - January 8, 2026