Funeral: 12:00 Noon Monday, February 20, 2023 in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel

Visitation: 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2023 and 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 Noon Monday, February 20, 2023

Burial: Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, Kentucky

James Thomas Shell, age 79, of Paintsville, Kentucky, passed away, Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at his home.

James was born December 14, 1943 in Floyd County, Kentucky, son of the late James Thurman Shell and Martha Katherine Blair Shell. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mary Margaret Woods Shell and one sister, Juanita Shell Rigsby.

He is survived by three sons, James Paul (Debbie) Shell of Paintsville, Kentucky, John Melvin Shell of Paintsville, Kentucky, and Christopher Thomas Shell of Richmond, Kentucky; one daughter, Sonia Leigh Shell (Jack) Simpson of Paintsville, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Destiny (Wayne) Wells, John Martin Shell, Brandi Ousley, Jade (Jordan) Silva, and Austin Simpson; and two great grandchildren, Alexia Wheeler and Ivy "Remi" Wells.

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 Noon Monday, February 20, 2023 in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel with Wes Corontto officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, Kentucky. Friends may visit the Jones-Preston Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2023 and 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 Noon Monday, February 20, 2023.

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both Honored and Privileged to be Entrusted with all funeral arrangements for Mr. James Thomas Shell.