James Richard Shanks of Madras, Oregon, beloved husband, father and grandfather, earned his angel wings when God unexpectedly called him home on March 23, 2020.

Born on July 22, 1947, in Oakland, California, to Barney and Freda (Davis) Shanks, who met and married in New Zealand during World War II, Jim spent his life in appreciation of his many blessings and experiences. Following his graduation from Tustin (California) High School, he enrolled in the Army in August of 1969, serving for two years in Germany.

Prior to retirement in 2009, Jim was a cross-county and longdistance truck driver for Golden State Foods and later for Swift Brands. Throughout these years, he delivered food and other supplies to nearly every region of the United States.

Married in 2013, Jim and Alicia built a deep love and affinity for each other that developed through their shared love of travel, family and friends. Uniquely, Jim's sister, Coralie, had long been married to Alicia's brother Paul Carter (deceased). Alicia and Paul were raised in Falmouth, Cornwall (England), where Jim and Alicia lived for several months in the earlier days of their relationship. The two of them had also spent time living in and around the parts of New Zealand where Jim's parents had met and married. They eventually settled in Madras, in 2013, where they built a community of close friends.

An avid biker, Jim spent his younger years on long bicycle rides, later transitioning to a Harley Davidson. Most recently, he traded in those forms of travel for a caravan trailer that he and Alicia enjoyed taking on road trips throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest. Jim is survived by his family: Alicia Mary Shanks (wife); Coralie Carter (sister); Eric (son) and Shannon Shanks and step-grandson, Jesse Valderama; Jamie (daughter) and Phil Clark, and their children, Gwen and Grayson. He also leaves behind many members of Alicia's family. He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Virginia Lee Carnegie.

Jim will be loved and eternally missed by all who knew him. A loving man who desired to be a good and kind human being, he cared deeply for family and friends and both his laughter and charm were undeniable.

As he shared with his family whenever they would speak, he loved us all, always signing off with his signature catchphrase, "Love You Loads!" We will all "Love You Loads" forever too, sweet Jim.