James Richard Shively And Nancy Banta Who Lived In Spokane County, Washington

 

James Richard Shively

James Richard Shively was born on 23-Mar-1942 and died 18-Feb-2006.  He was the son of Harold (born ca. 1913 died 31-Mar-1980) and Clara Jeannette Shively (born ca. 1919 died 12-Oct-1977).  Harold was the son of Anson Jacob (born 22-Apr-1881 died 27-Sep-1966 buried Jennings Cemetery, Decatur County, KS) and Leene Shively.  Anson Shively was the son of David Shively (born 20-Mar-1845 died 3-Mar-1922 buried Leland Cemetery, Graham County, KS) and Nancy Jane Hineline(Heneline) born 20-Mar-1845 died 3-Mar-1922).  

The following newspaper article was extracted from The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, Saturday, February 25, 2006, Page 15, Columns 1-5:

Former POW Shively A Lasting Inspiration

By Jerry Hughes

 Special to The Spokesman-Review

If we were exceptionally fortunate in our lifetime, we may be blessed by knowing a person of uncommon valor and grace. James R. Shively was such a man. His vita confirms the talents and accomplishments of an individual of heroic stature.

Modest to a fault, Jim always dismissed efforts to extend to him even the humblest of tributes. A life so well-lived, so fruitful and so inspiring demands, however, a richer accounting.

Raised in the Spokane Valley, Jim graduated with honors from West Valley High School in 1960 and accepted the U.S. Sen. Henry Jackson's appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Because of its demanding atmosphere, Jim seriously considered leaving. In typical Shively fashion, though, he reflected upon and analyzed the breadth of the academy's goals and opportunities, and he graduated in the upper ranks of his class. He went on to Georgetown University, where he received a master's degree in international relations.

As the Vietnam War was escalating, the Air Force afforded him the opportunity to train and fly its top single-seat, single engine jet fighter, the F-105.

After his training, Jim was sent to Thailand. On his 69th mission, while doggedly holding to his pre-set bombing pattern over Hanoi in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire, 2nd Lt. James Shively was hit and forced to eject. He landed in a muddy rice paddy and was quickly captured by waiting enemy ground forces.

The date was May 5, 1967. He would courageously endure more than 2,000 days in the infamous, "Hanoi Hilton" in a room with no shower and only a bucket for his body wastes. He was exposed to intense beating, torture, deprivations and barbaric abuse.

On Feb. 18, 1973, after nearly six years he was released. The emaciated man who emerged from his tiny, hot, rat-infested cell was, by every benchmark, even more formidable than the brave young pilot who entered. A White House reception, and a hero's welcome home, paid merited recognition to this Silver Star service to his beloved nation.

After his discharge from service in June 1974, Shively graduated from Gonzaga Law School and began private practice in 1977. A group of Washington state Democratic leaders recruited him to run for office. The long-range goal was a U.S. Senate seat, but Jim declined. His soul mate, Nancy, and his beloved daughters would not be denied his constant presence, attention, guidance and love for the remainder of his bountiful life.

Within a  few years, he was asked to join the Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney's Office and would, over a 20-year career, rise to the position of senior supervisor, overseeing both the criminal and civil divisions. He served one year as interim U.S. attorney while President Bush's appointee awaited Senate confirmation in 2008.

Shively was a selfless volunteer mentor to numerous local high school and regular GU political science class guest speaker. Anyone who participated in one of his "java and jabber" sessions was engulfed by his warmth, humor, intelligence, gentleness and compassion.

James R. Shively was a precious gift to his family, friends, community and nation. He was a patriot in the finest meaning of the word.

Today we mourn his passing, and tomorrow we shall miss him. Let us, however, reflect on his exceptional life and be profoundly grateful.

Jerry Hughes teaches political science at Gonzaga University. He is a former Washington state senator from Spokane.

The following obituary was found in The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, Sunday, February 26, 2006, Page 20, Column 5:

Shively, James R.

3/23/42-2/18/06

Born in Wheeler City, Texas, Jim was raised in Spokane, beginning at age five. He attended West Valley High School, then graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1964. He went on to earn a Master's degree in International Relations from Georgetown University in 1965. He then completed pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona in 1966 and combat crew training in the F-105D at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. He was assigned to the 357th Tac Fighter Squadron at Takhli, Thailand in December 1966. On his 69th mission to Vietnam, his F-105 was shot down and he was captured and held Prisoner of War from May 5, 1967 - February 18, 1973. Captain Shively resigned from the Air Force in 1974 and attended law school at Gonzaga University. He married Nancy Banta in 1976 and together they raised four beautiful daughters: Amy Hawk, Jane Shively, Laura Watson and Nicole Woodland. Jim served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington for over 20 years, and interim United States Attorney 2000-2001. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Jeannette Shively, his father, Harold Shively; and his sister Phyllis Shively Gilliland. His immediate family includes: his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. Jim died of cancer and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. The day of his passing marked the 33rd anniversary of his release from Vietnam. The family invites you to attend a celebration in honor of Jim on Friday, March 3rd, at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point Park, 2426 N. Discovery Place in the Spokane Valley from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Memorial gifts may be made to the local Veteran's Administration, Hospice of Spokane, The Hutton Settlement, Northwest Behavioral Associates, or a charitable organization of your choice. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Spokane for their kindness, respect, honesty, and sincere care for Jim and his family. They would also like to extend gratitude to Cancer Care Northwest for their perseverance in the fight against cancer.