James C. Sheppard

James C. Sheppard, former mayor and long time Durango banker passed away peacefully Thursday, July 4th. He was 88 years old. Jim was the third of four boys born January 7, 1936 to Don and Ethel Sheppard in Pierre, South Dakota. He graduated from Pierre HS and attended the University of South Dakota before volunteering for the draft and receiving an honorable discharge from the Army in 1959. In 1963 Jim married Loretta A Scarry, and started his banking career in Denver, CO. They later moved to Durango, CO in 1969 to raise their children and continue his career. Jim and Lore were married for forty years before her passing in 2003. Jim’s thirty plus years in banking were spent in Southwest Colorado. He served as Senior Vice President of First National (TBK) in Durango, President of First National Bank of Cortez, and as President and CEO of Centennial Federal Savings Bank in Durango (Vectra). He also served for several years as a Board of Director and one year as Vice Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, KS, and was Chairman of the Savings and Loan League of Colorado. He’d often say that his love of Durango and all that it gave him and his family led him to giving back to this community. Jim helped shape the community by serving on the board and being President of the Chamber of Commerce, President and Board member of the Durango Industrial Development Foundation (DIDF), Board member of the Fort Lewis Foundation, Board member of Stoneage Waterblast Tools, Board member and member of the Hundred Club, and his proudest accomplishment, was serving as Chairman of the Consolidation Committee for the Durango Fire and Rescue Authority and as the first Chairman of DAFRA. After retiring from banking Jim served four years on the Durango City Council with one year as mayor. In 2006 Jim married Joan Rees of Bayfield. They moved to Sun City West, AZ and enjoyed life there for 10 years until returning to Durango in 2020. They had 18 years together traveling, enjoying jazz concerts, family and each other. With all of his accomplishments, Jim always believed people came first, whether you were a customer, tourist, neighbor or family. He placed a strong emphasis on relationships, loved learning about people and always had a story or a joke to tell. Honesty and integrity were important. Those who knew him would say they always knew where they stood with him. If he said something, he meant it and if you didn’t agree, that was ok, he still respected you. He was known for practical jokes, his mischievous smile, friendship, acceptance and support of others. He took great joy in seeing other people in his life succeed. He is survived by his wife, Joan Sheppard, daughter, Kelly Sheppard-Gaughan (Mark Gaughan), son Andy Sheppard (Beth Sheppard), granddaughters, Megan Gaughan and Sarah Gaughan. Step sons John Cocuzzi (Kristi) Mike Cocuzzi and step daughter Catherine Cocuzzi, as well as several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 13th at 2:00pm at Greenmount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you spend time with your family and friends get to know your neighbors, donate time to your community and consider joining the Hundred Club of Durango