Buford, GA – Our beloved James Wesley Shaw Jr., "Jimmy," unexpectedly passed away Thursday July 21, 2022.

Jim was born October 12, 1963 in Winston-Salem, NC to the late James Shaw Sr. and Clementine Battle Shaw. If you had the honor and privilege to meet Jim, you understand what a loss this is for his family, friends, mentees and co-workers.

At a young age he learned the importance of hard work and service to others. Jim was a proud graduate of East Forsyth High School and earned a football scholarship to Livingstone college. He pledged Omega Psi Phi there and forged many lifelong friendships through brotherhood as a leader on and off the field. Jim knew how to command a room with his witty sense of humor and contagious laugh.

Jim began his career after college in the insurance industry. This is where he would spend 20+ years of his life and begin his entrepreneurship journey as the founder of Shaw Benefit Group. He was a team leader and mentor at American Express for the last 8 years. However, his passion was youth sports. In 2002, Jim founded Georgia Tarheels Sports. Through Georgia Tarheels, Jim was able to mentor and shape the lives of many young people.  He was a father figure to many in Metro Atlanta and beyond. He stepped up as President of Jim Shaw ACE Academy in Winston-Salem after the passing of his father, moving his mentoring to North Carolina.

Jim always made himself available and created space for everyone to feel welcome and supported. There is an army of beneficiaries of his goodness, warmth, knowledge, grace, and guidance who will forever remember him for his ability to inspire. He handled each person with care and concern such that everyone walked away feeling empowered to tackle anything. He did all this and never expected anything in return.

It was through the Georgia Tarheels that he met and married the love of his life Sheila Ray-Shaw. He always said, "I loved her at hello." The most important thing in life for Jim was family. Jim and Shelia created the most beautiful, blended family without distinctions. He loved and was proud of all of his children and grandchildren.

Jim leaves to cherish his memory his wife Sheila Ray-Shaw; his kids, James, Alexandria, Chad, Keisha, Derrick, and Soloman (wife, Yochana); sisters, Angela (husband, Edward) and Herlane (husband, Tyrone); brother, Bo (wife, Marilyn); god brother, Aldeen (wife, Paulette); 5 grandchildren; nieces, nephews and a host of family and very close friends.

Viewing will be held from 12pm until 6pm Friday, July 29, 2022 and the celebration of life will be held at 10am Saturday, July 30, 2022 both at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home,  914 Scenic Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045.