James Douglas Shell, Sr. was born on September 17, 1935 in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Mr. & Mrs. Douglas & Sallie Shell.

He learned his hard work ethic as a child by gardening and cleaning. He also was a shoeshine boy which taught him to save his money.

James graduated from Atkins High School in Winston-Salem, NC.  He received his bachelor's degree from Johnson C. Smith University and master's Degree in Biology at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. It would be an understatement to say he was a Johnson C. Smith Golden Bull fan.  He was extremely proud of his alma mater.  At JC Smith, he played basketball and sang in the choir.

He attended the CIAA every year until his health declined in recent years.  He taught high school biology for 37 years at Chatham Central High School in Bear Creek, NC.  He was a scientist who was a part of numerous research projects all over the country.  He also was a part of early DNA research.

James was a member of Trinity AME Zion Church where he was a member of the choir and the Glen Burleigh Choir.  He was a photographer who developed his own film.  He was a referee for many years.

In 1959, he married Dorothy Morehead.

He was predeceased by son, Derek Shell and brother, Marion Shell.

He leaves to mourn daughter, Sonya D. Shell; son, James D. Shell, Jr. (Alisa); granddaughter, Ashli J. Shell; sisters, Alleane Reeves, Elizabeth English, Helen Boone, and Dr. Juanita Peterson; brother George Shell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A public viewing will be held on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.  A private service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery.