James L. Shields

James Luther “Luke” Shields age 88 of Maryville passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Asbury Place of Maryville. He retired from Alcoa Aluminum Co. and was a member of their 25 Year Club. James was also a member of United Steel Workers Union Local 309 (Union Stewart), Cub Scout Pack Master, Webelos Leader, and Boy Scouts Troop Leader. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, woodworking, winemaking, and carving. James enjoyed reading and teaching other, especially the younger Shields generations about Cades Cove and the family decendantcy from that culture and bloodline. He organized and encouraged everyone, kinfolk, or not to attend the Annual Shields family reunion held each September at Metcalf Bottoms. He always said that anyone can attend, and be Shields for a day…Luke Shields knew no strangers. Luke Shields was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy having served in both World War II and the Korean War. His collection of Navy tattoos was always a fascination to his nieces and nephews, the Popeye tattoo on his right forearm will some become a memorial on his son Roy “Hoot” Shields right arm as well. He enjoyed making wooden toys for kids during the Christmas seasons and had told his granddaughter Audrey that he was one of Santa’s Toymakers and that she could be an “Official Helper”, a position that she still carries proudly today. He so loved to make “Uncle Luke” boxes for all his nieces, nephews, and special friends for Christmas and birthdays. Preceded in death by Wife of 53 years, Louise (McConnell) Shields; Parents, Samuel Luther & Naomi Shields, Brother, Ralph & Jason Shields. Survivors include: Son, Roy L. “Hoot” Shields; Granddaughter and his pride and joy, Audrey Shields; Brothers, Bob Shields and Larry Shields; Sisters, Joyce Enos and Sue Beals; Special friend and pastor, Dempsey Walker; several nieces and nephews that loved him as “Uncle Luke.” Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, March 11, 2016 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM, with Pastor Dempsey Walker officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Grandview Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to: No More Victims Foundation, Inc. at www.nmvfoundation.org. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James L. Shields please visit our Sympathy Store.