James Alvin Shifflett, Sr.

James Alvin Shifflett, Sr., 69 of Earlysville, VA 22936, went to be with the Lord on January 26, 2012. He was born on March 27, 1942 in Albemarle County to the late William and Altha Lam Shifflett.

He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Lawson and her husband, Anthony of Ruckersville, his son, James “Alvin” Shifflett, Jr. of Stanardsville and his daughter, Shirley Dickerson and her husband, Richard of Barboursville.

Additional survivors include his grandchildren, Chad Shifflett, Kelsie Lawson and Cameron Lawson. His siblings, John Henry Shifflett, Emma Mae Morris, William Edward Shifflett “Eddie Boy” Shifflett, and Ethel Pugh.

Even though Dad had many friends, he shared a special friendship with his nephew Tommy Boy Shifflett of Charlottesville, Eddie Morris of Stanardsville, Gene Shifflett of Earlysville and Kenny Shifflett of Stanardsville.

We would also like to recognize Sally Breeden of Earlysville. Ms. Breeden was a Dad’s landlord for over 30 years and a very dear friend.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Melvin Shifflett, Leona Shifflett, Clara Shifflett, Elvin Shifflett and Cleveland Shifflett.

Our Dad was a kind, simple, loving man who had a heart of Gold. He was the kind of person that would have given you the clothes off of his back. He had a special spot in his heart for children and the elderly. Dad loved life, he loved people. Dad left an impression on everybody that he met and he never met a stranger.

We may never understand why Dad departed us so soon, but we will always love him and miss him greatly.

We would like to offer a special Thank You to Investigator Chuck Marshall, Lieutenant Greg Jenkins, the Albemarle County Police Department, the Lake Monticello dive team, the Albemarle State Police Dive Team and the many other volunteers that sacrificed their time to search for our Dad. Your deeds of kindness and love will never be forgotten.

The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 5401 Watts Passage Charlottesville, VA 22911-5941.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Wendell Lamb and Brother Frank Chapman officiating.

Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

An online guestbook is available at www.ryanfuneral.com

Ryan Funeral Home of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.