James Dunham Shearman, 26, of Lake Charles, La., died Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. Born Mar. 14, 1997 to Douglas and Claire (Ward) Shearman, James was one of five siblings and one of the triplets. He arrived with his twin sisters and, being a gentleman from the start, he allowed them to be born moments ahead of him.

James had both a sweet and gentle soul and a fierce and passionate temperament. He also had the best smile and a sense of humor that often had friends and family rolling in laughter. He could cook a steak to perfection and loved to share his zest for a good meal with others. His friends would agree he rarely turned away from a dare, including eating a live cricket. James was most comfortable outdoors where he enjoyed our sportsman’s paradise by fishing, hunting, sitting around a fire pit solving the world’s problems, and working at the family business. We would be remiss if we didn’t call special attention to his dedication to one activity in particular: James had a gift for producing the most well-manicured lawn. 

James attended First United Methodist Preschool where he made friends he still has today. He attended Pre-K through eighth grade at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School and was a 2015 graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School. The faith community, including friends, family, and faculty, helped shape the wonderful young man he had come to be. 

James proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant Shearman in November 2022 after six years of enlisted service. He was a decorated non-commissioned officer. After basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., James trained as a Field Artillery specialist at Fort Sill, Okla. He also served 3 years at Fort Riley, Kan., before coming back to his beloved Louisiana to serve at Fort Polk. Of the many advanced drills he completed over the course of his service, he especially enjoyed the time he spent in Eastern Europe deterring foreign adversaries through NATO operations.

James is survived by his parents, Douglas and Claire Shearman; his sister Ada and brother-in-law, Justin O’Quain; sister, Mary Claire “Macy” Shearman; sister, Florence and brother-in-law, Rick Ruot, and brother, Walker Shearman. He is also survived by his nephew and godchild Hayden O’Quain; nephew, Kaius O’Quain; niece, Kathryn Mae O’Quain, and maternal grandmother, Kay Ward.

James is survived by paternal aunts and uncles, Stacy Shearman, Walker and Deborah Shearman, Nancy Shearman, and Bill and Sue Shearman. His surviving maternal aunts and uncles include Clay Ward, William and Amanda Ward, Norman and Debbie Ward, Richard and Becca Overton, and James and Melissa Anderson. James also had a large extended family, including 23 first cousins and numerous loved ones who will miss their “J.D.” terribly. 

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Ada B. Vincent and grandfather, William H. Shearman, and his maternal grandfather, Darrell C. Ward. 

Honoring his generous wish, he shared the gift of life with many people in need through organ and tissue donation. He did the same for those who will use his donation for research and educational purposes. 

We couldn’t begin to match the positive impact James had on the world just by virtue of being in it, but we will do our best to ensure his legacy is one of love. As a first small step in doing so, we are establishing The James Dunham Shearman Memorial Fund at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School. 

Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, with a rosary service beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 935 Bilbo Street. The Very Rev. Father Ruben Buller will lead mass beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Prien Memorial Park at 2220 Country Club Road.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a gift to the PTSD Foundation of America or the veterans organization of your choice.

For those who are looking for a way to honor his memory today, we kindly request that you call someone you love and tell them just that.