James Shank

James G. Shank, 67, of Oakland died on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at his home. Born on April 28, 1947 in Deer Park, he was the son of the late Russell Thomas and Margaret Grace (Rodeheaver) Shank. He was a 1966 graduate of Southern High School and worked summers at Story's Boat Landing, which began his love for boating on Deep Creek Lake. Jim's first business venture was logging in West Virginia and Maryland and then, in the early 1970's, he established Shank Stone & Gravel. LAOC Coal Corporation, a surface mining company, was then established by Jim in 1975. He, along with his wife Bunny, was also the owner of H & R Block in Oakland. He was a member of the Western Maryland and West Virginia Coal Associations, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, a charter member of Elk's Lodge #2481 in Oakland, an ardent volunteer and supporter of Garrett County Memorial Hospital and Hospice of Garrett County, and the school and athletic organizations of his children and grandchildren. He was also a proud sponsor of the LAOC Softball Team from 1978-1998. Jim's greatest love was traveling with his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed deep sea fishing, hunting and spending time with his family and close friends. Jim was known as a man whose passion was his work and he will be truly missed by all that knew him. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Brenda "Bunny" (DelSignore) Shank; his children, Belinda Messenger and husband Jeffery, Jeanine Sisler and husband Ronald and James Shank, II and companion Beth Evans, all of Oakland; grandchildren, Trevor Messenger, Greyson Messenger, Bella Sisler and Evan Shahan, all of Oakland; a brother, Edward Shank and wife Barbara Ann of Swanton; sisters, Barbara Madigan and husband Mace of Deer Park, Linda Riley and husband Craig of Oakland, Brenda Buser and husband BJ of Swanton and Marsha Osekowski and husband Tom of Oakland; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his father and mother in law, Warren Roger and Frances Jane (Bozic) DelSignore. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, July 12th at 10 AM in St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Fr. Doug Kenney as celebrant. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Garrett County Memorial Hospital Foundation, 251 N 4th St., Oakland, MD 21550 or St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 208 S 4th St., Oakland, MD 21550. The Burdock-Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., Oakland has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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