James Russell Shea

James Russell Shea, age 81, passed away in his Arlington Virginia home on April 4, 2017 with his loving and devoted wife Phyllis at his side. He was the son of Michael and Mary Shea, both of whom preceded him in death. His survivors include his sister Mary and brother-in -law Ray Pawlowicz, his brother Michael Shea, and his children and their families: Phyllis, Andrew, Matthew and Grace Morris; James, Catherine, Daniel, Thomas and Jack Shea; John, Joanne, Drew and Kelsey Shea; and Andrew, Tammy, Ellie and Stella Shea. Born July 26, 1935 in Brooklyn, Jim attended Regis High School. He earned a B.S. in Physics from Villanova University and a M.A. in Physics from Columbia University. Jim had a long and distinguished career with the federal government, and worked tirelessly to promote nuclear non-proliferation. After serving in the U.S. Navy and working for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA), Jim spent the last 23 years of his career as the Director of the Office of International Programs for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Jim was very involved in local civic activities, including a neighborhood citizen’s association, the Arlington Board of Equalization of Real Estate Assessment, and the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH). After over 40 years of federal government service, Jim enjoyed pursuing his interests in music and geneology during his 19 years in retirement. Jim’s greatest passion was his family, past and present. He delighted in his Irish and Newfoundland heritage and nurtured the connections of his large extended family. But his true joys were his wife of 55 years, his children and their families. Jim was a devoted and loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 11 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity’s St. Ignatius Chapel (3513 N St. NW, Washington D.C.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (1316 36th St. NW, Washington D.C.) followed by interment at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington. There is limited on-street parking at the church. We suggest parking on 35th St. or on the cobblestone street between Prospect and M. The closest parking garage to the church may be found at 3307 M Street, NW (enter off of Banks Alley). There is a handicapped ramp on the corners of 36th and O Streets, NW – use the ramp and follow the sidewalk to access the Church and St. Ignatius Chapel (access provided via the Parish Center’s Gallery Hallway). Flowers may be sent to the funeral home: 7211 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22046 or, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH), 4318 N. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22203, 703-276-7444, http://apah.org/get-involved/donate/ .