After a short battle with esophageal cancer James Lafayette Shuler, 69, was called home to our Lord on June 30th. He was born June 19, 1949, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Jim graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1968, the University of Arizona in 1973, and from Pepperdine School of Law in 1976. He practiced law in Carlsbad, New Mexico, for ten years before being appointed as a district judge for the Fifth Judicial District of New Mexico where he served for 19 years before retiring and moving to Helena,Montana. Jim then joined the Doney Crowley Law Firm where he worked until retiring again in 2012. He was the chancellor for the Episcopal Diocese of Montana from 2008 until his death.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Mattie Lea Shuler Protz, and his father, Ashley Cooper Shuler. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ruth Ann Shuler and son, Matthew C. Shuler, and his sister, Martha Jane Shuler-Gray.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24th St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave. in Helena, Montana 59601 with Interment to follow at the cathedral. A reception will follow in the lower level of the cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Camp Marshall/Grace Camp fund in care of the Episcopal Diocese of Montana, P.O. Box 2020, Helena, Montana 59624. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of James.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday July 24, 2018
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the memorial service
Tuesday July 24, 2018
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedra;
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the interment
Tuesday July 24, 2018
Lower level of St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday July 24, 2018
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the memorial service
Tuesday July 24, 2018
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedra;
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the interment
Tuesday July 24, 2018
Lower level of St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Shelby Brandon says
Ruth Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good man and I had great respect for him.
Shelby Brandon
Thomas E. Parsons says
So very sorry about Jim’s passing. We went to school together in Carlsbad and rode the bus together every day.
Rita Faubion Woodman says
Ruth Ann, Matt, and Jane I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing man Jim was. He was highly respected by all who knew him. Please know that you are all in our prayers. RIP Jim.
Darla Thompson Ortiz says
Ruth Ann, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a wonderful person and I greatly respected him as both a lawyer and as a judge. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Mary Webb Sutphen says
Jane,
I have fond memories of working with Jim when he was District Judge in Eddy County.
He had a good sense of humor and was a kind man. Glad I got to know you both. My Mom had the What a Burger in case you can’t place me. 🙂
RIP Jim.
Chris Neatherlin says
RuthAnn, Matt, and Jane, I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man, always kind and witty. I know you will miss him greatly. I will be keeping you all in my prayers. <3. Hugs to you. With deepest sympathy, Chris & Jimmy Neatherlin & James and Michael too 🙂
Pam Wigley Jones says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Love to his family.
JoseMario Salinas says
Jim, God speed to Heaven my friend. I will always remember your friendship and lunches after court recesses.
It was a privilege to work with you and forming the Carlsbad CASA program.
RuthAnn and Matt, also Jane..so sorry for your loss I will pray for him today at Mass.
Geraldine Smith says
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. RIP James
Barbara Carey says
Roy and I were very sorry to learn of the death of our long time friend. We have missed his lively presence here in Carlsbad since he moved to the far plains of Montana. His oft used phrase:”Here’s what you ought to do….” preceded many interesting and often fruitful ideas. The founding and long operation of Grace House here in Carlsbad owed much to his suggestion. We loved his joyful outlook on life and remember him with great affection. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family.
james brown says
I’m sorry to read of Jim’s passing; he was a bright, funny and charasmatic man — and i enjoyed being in his company.
Dailey and Irene Jones says
Ruth Ann, We were so shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved husband, Jim. We will always remember our trip to El Paso for the the Sun Bowl one year. That was a memorable trip as we stayed in Juarez as all of the motels and hotels in El Paso were full. Jim was fun to be around and we enjoyed both of you all’s company before you all moved to Montana. Irene has enjoyable memories of the years that you two worked at Edison Elementary School. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your husband 43 years and the loss of Matt’s father and Jane’s brother! Sincerely Dailey and Irene Jones of Carlsbad, NM.
Barb Hagen says
I will miss Jim’s funny comments and jokes and his dedication to the diocese and church.
Joe Sharp says
A great man (and Judge) that will be missed by all. Judge Shuler and I had a lot of fun even in the courts. He used to have the sheriff deputies find me, handcuff me and haul me to his court room just to have me there as an expert witness or take possession of technology evidence on behalf of the court. Of course I didn’t know this until I was un-cuffed in the court house. His idea of humor was never a dull moment for me. I had and will always have the utmost respect for my old friend. He will be missed but never forgotten…..
My condolences to the family for this tremendous loss.
Joe Sharp