James Edward Shew Jr.

A candle was lit by HMC(SS) Steve Thygersen on May 9, 2021 4:03 PM

Message from Merrill J. McClain MMCS (SS) (retired)

I am seriously tardy in writing this and for that I apologize, but, I feel it is necessary to help celebrate the life of Capitan Shew which I will attempt in my own small way. I served on the Blue crew from 1974 to 1980 including the last overhaul in Portsmouth NH. Captain Shew was the Skipper of the combined crew. During my 25 years in the Navy four officers have touched my life in a way that left a lasting impression on me, Captain Shew was one of them. There were a few times while we were still on board at the beginning of the shipyard he would come into the Chiefs quarters. He always knocked first. After he sat down and one of the Chiefs got him a cup of coffee he would simply say “What is going on.” Sometimes the discussions would be short and other times they would be long, sometimes serious and other times funny but always helpful to him in some way to keep the ship and crew operating smoothly. He had a deep respect for the ideas and opinions of his senior enlisted personnel. He was the only senior officer I knew that did that and I respected him for it.
I was tasked with introducing an updated program on maintenance for the ship to the crew before we left the shipyard. Everyone on the crew was required to attend. A few of the junior officers started asking questions about material that I had not covered yet. Before I could respond Captain Shew, who had walked in quietly at the back of the room, told them to hold their questions until the end of the presentation. I was able to complete the class and had very few questions at the end as the material had been covered thoroughly. Essentially he covered my ass and this allowed the training to be effective for the whole crew.
I was just one of many that benefited from his presence of command and respect and value of every one in his crew. I’m sure this was the same on all the submarines he served on. His firm and guiding hand touched many of us and he will be sorely missed. May he have fair winds and following seas where ever our Lord needs him.
Merrill J. McClain MMCS (SS) Blue (retired)

Message from FTB1 SS Rike

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:

But O heart! heart! heart! O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead.
O Captain! My Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here captain! dear father! This arm beneath your head; It is some dream that on the deck, You've fallen cold and dead.
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells! But I, with mournful tread, Walk the deck my captain lies, Fallen cold and dead.

Message from Ellis Otto

Sorry for your loss. I served under him on the Jackson and he was a great skipper.

Expression of Sympathy

A Ray of Sunshine was sent by Astrid and Robb Knoblauch on July 26, 2018

Message from Valerie Jinnette

You were such a warm and inviting soul. My kids, even though they only knew you briefly, bonded so quickly and enjoyed the memorable moments spent together playing cards, eating, and drinking bubble tea.

Expression of Sympathy

An A Garden Path was ordered on March 25, 2018

Message from MMCM(SS/DV) Robert J. Holt

I served with CDR Shew on the Stonewall Jackson before and after the shipyard at Portsmouth. It was a pleasure and a learning experience. My sincere condolences to all the family.
After reading the email of Capt Shews passing from our reunion association, I looked up at the clock in my truck - it was 634 !! 🙏🏻🇺🇸Sailor, rest your oar.

Message from Jim Kint ETC/SS USN Retired

I had the honor and great pleasure of meeting the Captain at the 2017 Stonewall Jackson reunion in Charleston. It was a joy to talk to him and I wish I had met him earlier. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones an shipmates.

Message from Joseph Flynn LCDR (RET)

I also had the privilege to serve with CAPT J. E, Shew on the USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN 634) on both the blue and gold crews. His inspiration led me to a 25 year career that included 11 years enlisted and 14 years as a Naval Flight Officer. I tried to emulate parts of his leadership style throughout my career. His memory will forever be embedded in my heart. I wish you fair winds and following seas.

A candle was lit by Peter P. Velez MM1(SS) USS Robert E. Lee SSBN 601 Blue. 196 on March 9, 2018 1:24 PM

Message from Michael J. McCalip, Fleet Master Chief (SS) (Retired)

I had the privilege to serve with CAPT Shew on USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN-634). CAPT Shew had a profound impact on this very young man and Sailor as my first Commanding Officer. He inspired me to always do my best,, to be a kind compassionate and thoughtful leader, and that every man has two ears and one mouth. Throughout my military career and now as a civilian I’ve often used lessons learned from CAPT Shew with those I’m mentoring or coaching. Thank you CAPT Shew, god bless you - RIP shipmate.

To the family, some of you I met. I’ve very sorry for your loss and you have my deepest sympathy.

Message from Allen Tuider EMC(SS) ret

Probably the finest commanding officers I served under , having had the privilege while stationed onboard the "Stoney J". I wish the family condolences and Donna and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

A candle was lit by Robert Cole FTG (SS) on March 9, 2018 9:12 AM

Message from Rick Weldon

I was fortunate enough to serve under CDR Shew aboard the USS Stonewall Jackson. As a Submariner, our proudest accomplishment was having the submarine service pin, the Dolphins, pinned to our chest. For me, that honor was performed by CDR Shew while we were at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He exemplified the best traits of a military commander; dignity, fairness, firmness and a personality that engendered comraderie from all of my fellow sailors. I will be forever thankful that I had the chance to serve with and for such an outstanding military leader and mentor. My most sincere sympathies for your loss, and prayers for your peace and comfort.

Message from Rod Mutzabaugh, MM2 (SS) Dauphin Pa.

Served under Capt Shew in the yards at Portsmouth, New Hampshire on the Stonewall Jackson SSBN 634 as an Aganger. As I can remember he was always interested in us enlisted and always willing to talk. Rest Your Oar Shipmate

Message from Robert J. Hron RMCM(SS)

Rest in peace, Captain

Message from EMCM(SS) Robert Hinz

My sincerest condolences on the passing of Captain Shew. I had the privilege of serving under his command, he pinned my dolphins and qualified me in my senior watchstation. Thanks for a great start in my Navy career!

Message from Lee Brown ET-1 (SS) USS Stonewall Jackson Blue, Gold, Combined

My sincerest condolences to the family. Captain Shew was a fantastic Captain. I'll never forget his providing my proudest day ever, when he pinned on my dolphins.

Message from George Boyle EMCS(SS) Ret. xsubnuke@bellsouth.net

Though we have never sailed together we shall meet again. We belong to the best of the DENIZEN OF THE DEEP.
REST YOUR OAR SAILOR

A candle was lit by George Boyle EMCS (SS) Panky Gold on March 8, 2018 9:48 PM

A candle was lit by BILL FULLER on March 6, 2018 3:13 PM

A candle was lit by Eric and Gail Blatt on March 5, 2018 4:34 PM

Message from Jeff Morris

I didn't serve with Jim on the Stonewall Jackson, but I met him at some of our reunions, and at the Memorial Plaque ceremony in Washington DC. He was a great guy to talk to and I always thought that he really enjoyed talking to the enlisted men versus the wardroom guys. Speaking for our shipmates, you will be missed.
Sailor, rest your oar.

Message from Dick and Shirley Gill

A wonderful classmate and shipmate. Rest your oars Jim.

Dick and Shirley Gill

Message from Dick and Shirley Gill

A wonderful classmate and shipmate. Rest your oars Jim.

Dick and Shirley Gill

Message from Mike Haselberger

Daniela, Faith & I met you and Jim at the past 2 Tullibee reunions and chatted way into the night, Jim was the XO when I was on board. He will be missed and remembered by many of us at future reunions. We hope you have friends and family to help you through this sad time.

Message from Nancy Pesano

Jim was a wonderful person who will truly be missed. I’ve known him for over fifty years and he was a true inspiration to many people. He called me a few times recently to cheer me up and I will miss his humor and wisdom. I will miss you. RIP Jim

A candle was lit by Nancy Pesano on March 1, 2018 5:45 PM

A candle was lit by Thomas L. James on February 28, 2018 9:10 PM

Message from Jane Kincheloe Wiles

My dear Daniela- I am so sad for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. How wonderful it was for you to have him in your life. Wishing you strength in this difficult time. Much love-Jane

A candle was lit by Jane Kincheloe Wiles on February 28, 2018 7:34 PM

A candle was lit by Pete Smith USNA ‘61 8th Company on February 27, 2018 12:12 AM

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Jim was good friend and a great classmate..He will be missed. RIP.

Message from Jennifer Macotto

Daniela,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Jennifer

A candle was lit by Jennifer Macotto, Community Idea Stations on February 26, 2018 5:06 PM

A candle was lit by Mary Ellen & Andy Garrigue on February 26, 2018 12:15 PM

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Dear Daniela,
We are heartbroken to learn of Jim's passing, and extend our deepest sympathy to you and the family. What a remarkable man he was!

A candle was lit by Mary Ellen & Andy Garrigue on February 26, 2018 12:05 PM

A candle was lit by Warren Hoppe and Donna Ralston-Hoppe on February 26, 2018 11:12 AM

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We send our love and supporting prayers at this time to you Daniela and all the Shew Family and friends. As memories are a strong healer, may God send you only the happiest and love filled memories as the days go by. Love and Peace today and always.

A candle was lit by Warren and Donna on February 26, 2018 11:07 AM

Message from Bob Zalkan

Daniela

So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was a classmate, roommate, company-mate, and good friend. He will be sorely missed.

A candle was lit by Capt. Victor L. Mamon, PN(Ret.) on February 26, 2018 12:32 AM

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My sincere condolence to James’ family from a Foreign National Classmate from the 18th. Co., USNA.

Message from Capt. Victor L. Mamon, PN(Ret.)

My sincere condolence to

Message from Bob and Eileen Fitch

Daniela

We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a good friend and classmate and I will miss him. You are in our hearts and prayers

Message from Ray Kuryla ET1(SS) USS STONEWALL JACKSON SSBN-634

I'm very sad about the passing of CAPT Shew. Although I didn't have the honor of serving under him, I did have the pleasure of meeting Jim and his wife Daniela and being with them at a couple of the Boat's reunions. He was a great guy and I'm happy to have known him. My deepest condolences to Daniela and the rest of his family.

Message from David W. Buckley QM 1 (SS) Stonewall Jackson SSBN 634

With deepest regrets and condolences, sorry for your loss. Captain Jim will be greatly missed by all. Rest your ores sailor!

Expression of Sympathy

A Table Basket was ordered on February 23, 2018

A candle was lit by Richard D. James, Jr. on February 23, 2018 9:15 AM