Dr. James S. Shadle, 84, of Fountain, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2014, with his family by his side. Born in Fountain, on April 14,1930, he was the only child of the late Samuel and Naomi Bressler Shadle. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, to whom he was married 62 years.

Jim had three main professions over the course of his lifetime; he was a farmer, an educator, and a conservationist. He raised turkeys and grew potatoes on his farm for many years, while teaching Agriculture at Millersburg and Blue Mountain School Districts. He retired in 1987 as Principal at the Blue Mountain Middle School, after 30 years in teaching and administrative positions. During that period, he also found time to be an Ag professor at Penn State University, University Park Campus, where he earned his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees.

Jim was also a pilot, and enjoyed many flights with friends and family over the years. Jim was one of the founding members of the Schuylkill County Conservation District in 1955, and served as Chair or Vice Chair for over 50 years. As recognition for his outstanding service to this cause, Jim received the Gold Standard Award as the first inductee into the District's Conservation Hall of Fame. In 2010, Jim received from the National Association of Conservation Districts', the Distinguish Service Award. He was also recognized with commendations from the State Senate and Governor's office on his retirement from the Conservation District in late 2013 after 58 years of distinguished service.

Jim was active in several other organizations, such as FFA, Rotary and F&AM Lodge #797 Valley View, while holding leadership positions in them as well. Jim was also a member of the Christ United Church of Christ in Fountain. Penn State was another one of Jim's passions, as he enjoyed many years as a season ticket holder for football games.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Dianne Wagner.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, James Jr and wife Cindy, of New Cumberland; Daniel and wife Amy, of Donaldson; and son in law Russell Wagner, of Hegins. Jim has eight grandchildren: Brian Wagner and wife Jessica, Jonathan Wagner and wife Ashley, Andrew Wagner and wife Amy, Christopher, Chloe, Daniel, Emma and Gabrielle Shadle. And four great grandchildren Lauren, Kaden, Ellie, and unborn baby Wagner.

There will be a private graveside funeral service, held at the convenience of the family.

The family suggests memorial donations be made either to Christ United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 57, Hegins PA 17938 or to the Schulylkill Conservation District, Attn.: Dr.James S. Shadle Nature Center, 1206 Ag Center Drive, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Buffington Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com