James Nelson Shaulis

James Nelson Shaulis Sr., age 88, of Nottingham, Pennsylvania, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at his home in Nottingham, PA. He was the spouse of Lorraine Anne Shaulis, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage. Born in Somerset, PA, he was the son of the late Nelson Shaulis and the late Minnie (Peterman) Shaulis.

Jims's career began at a young age working in the mines of Somerset County, PA, where he was forced to end his education and work to support his parents and family. He then joined the Army National Guard in 1959, where he served for 10 years.

Jim worked for many years in the trucking industry and was known by many as “Papa Smurf” for his thick white beard and happy demeanor. At various times he worked for J&L Tire as a large tire repair/mechanic; for Modern Mushroom Farms doing long distance hauling; and his later years for 1st Fleet Trucking as head yard jockey. He was well known for having a tireless work ethic, no injury or ailment would stop him from working until he was forced to at the age of 82.

In his spare time, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies. These included tending to his annual large vegetable garden, fishing, “scrapping” for scrap metal, motorcycle riding, making repairs around his home, or just taking the time to enjoy his Westerns. Included in his hobbies, he was a talented wood maker. He made everything from birdhouses to furniture and plaques, and refurbished many items in his shop.  There was nothing he couldn’t make.

Jim also loved the Dachshund breed, keeping many of them over the years, including Lucy, his last surviving 15-year-old dachshund.

He will be remembered for his kindness, patience, generosity, integrity, friendly-welcoming demeanor, sacrifices, hard work ethic, and his love for his family, always putting them first.

He will be missed for his big heart, kind smile, laughter, playful jokes, protection, and support to his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Lorraine, he is survived by his children, James Shaulis Jr., Randy Shaulis (Darla Blevins), and David Shaulis (Piuti Shaulis); his stepchildren, Pam Dunn (Clarence Hall), James Brooks Sr., John Brooks (Jeanette Brooks), Jennifer Brooks; grandchildren Jason Butcher, Dakotah Baynard, Saomalea Fa’ase, David Shaulis Jr., Leilane June Irene Shaulis, Nicholas Brooks and Jamie Brooks; a total of 8 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews including great and great/great. In addition to his first wife, June Irene Shaulis, and his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Charles H. Shaulis, John H. Shaulis, Evelyn I. Shaulis-Mack, William F. Shaulis Sr., Emma K. Shaulis-Moore, Betty G. Shaulis-Hamer, Mary E. Shaulis-Enos; and granddaughter, Christina Jackson.

You are invited to visit with Jims’s family and friends from 5:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church 408 Bayard Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. His funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM.

A viewing will also be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Robert Halverson Funeral Home 476 West Main Street, Somerset, PA 15501.  Burial will military honors will follow at Somerset Memorial Park 104 New Centerville Road, Somerset, PA 15501.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project. www.woundedwarriorproject.org Please click "Make a One Time Gift" and then click "Make this a gift in honor of an individual." 

Arrangements by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) Kennett Square. To view his online obituary and leave condolences for the family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com