James Daniel Sheppard, 87 - Greenville

James Daniel Sheppard, 87, civic leader and retired South Carolina National Bank executive in Greenville, died on December 20, 2015, after a brief illness.

Born in Houston, Texas, he was the son of the late George B. and Priscilla Spaulding Sheppard.

He was a graduate of the Hill School in Pottstown, PA, and attended Princeton University on an NROTC scholarship, graduating in 1950. Jim then served three years in the U.S. Navy. During the Korean War, he served as executive officer on the minesweeper USS Waxbill off both Korean coasts. He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1960 as a Lieutenant.

Mr. Sheppard retired from the banking industry in 1987. He was a long time supporter of the Salvation Army and of the Humane Societies in Greenville and Laurens. An avid photographer and prolific author of historical articles, he was particularly noted for preserving the history of railroading in the upstate area; the railroad resource center at the Hub City Railroad Museum is names in his honor. He served as a docent for the Travelers Rest Historical Museum, and he regularly lectured on railroad-related subjects throughout the area. He was a member of First Baptist Greenville and the Poinsett Club.

On March14, 1962, he married Frances Boggs of Greenville, who preceded him in death on May 15, 2011.

He is survived by his sister, Priscilla S. Taylor, of McLean, VA and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by a brother George E. Sheppard of Laurens.

A service to celebrate his life will be Tuesday, January 19 at 11:00a.m. in the Carpenter Chapel of First Baptist Greenville. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1237, Greenville, SC 29602-1237; or to the Laurens County Humane Society, P.O.Box 964, Laurens, SC 29360 or to First Baptist Greenville.