James W. Shelton, 83, of Stuart, Florida and La Plata, Maryland died peacefully at Martin Memorial Hospital North on December 30, 2013. He was born and raised in Washington, D.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert T. and Nettie J. Shelton, brother Robert T. Shelton, Jr., sister Virginia Schafer and sons Robert F. Shelton and Steven Tracy Shelton.

Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife Barbara L. "Sue" Shelton, son James W. Shelton, Jr., daughters, Sharon Shelton Swenson, Diane Shelton, and Terry Shelton Thir and step-children William F. Hardesty and Susan G. Hardesty, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, step-brother Randy Clark and nieces.

Jimmy was the proud owner of Shelton Realty, and remembered as a prominent Real Estate Broker, Developer and Appraiser. He built many homes throughout Southern Maryland with partners James R. Willett Company and Lou Dicken Construction.

He was proud to be a lifetime member of the Waldorf Lions Club, Waldorf Rotary Club and the Elks Lodge. He was an avid athlete enjoying baseball, softball, bowling and golf. Some of his fondest memories were boating and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay aboard his 44 foot Jersey-Dawn Sports Fisherman, "Hey Babe." He also enjoyed deep sea fishing with his son Tracy in Florida.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday January 8, 2014 at the Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, La Plata, MD from 5 to 8 PM with prayers at 6:30 PM. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday January 9, 2014 12 Noon at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church La Plata, MD. Interment to follow in the Mt. Rest Cemetery La Plata, MD.

He will be truly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in his memory to Archbishop Neale School in La Plata, Maryland.

Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.