James J. Shea, Jr., 87, of Rancho Mirage, Calif., and Newport Beach, Calif., passed away after a short illness surrounded by his family at his Rancho Mirage home on January 12, 2013. He was born in Springfield, Mass. on November 15, 1925, son of the late James J. Shea Sr. and Henrietta (Delaney) Shea. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Marisa in 2006, and his son, James J. Shea, III. He leaves four children: Thomas of Bangkok, Thailand; Carol Argosy and her husband Steven of Vero Beach, Fla.; Barbara Hatten of Charleston, S.C.; Christine Pelissier of Old Lyme, Conn., and a stepson, Robert Wealleans of San Juan Capistrano, Calif. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy O'Donnell of Naples, Fla.; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mr. Shea lived in California for 27 years after retiring from working for 35 years at the Milton Bradley Company in Springfield, where he was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. He first joined the Milton Bradley Company in 1949 after graduating from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania; he succeeded his father, James J. Shea at the helm of the company in 1967. Previously, Mr. Shea served in the Air Force as a Gunner on a B24 aircraft. He flew 43 missions in the Pacific Theater during World War II. During his active years in business he served as Director for BayBank Valley, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Monarch Insurance Company, National Association of Manufacturers and the Toy Manufacturers of America. He was also a Trustee of Springfield Savings Bank and a member of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. Mr. Shea was also very active in charitable work, especially in the Diocese of Springfield where he and his father were very involved in building campaigns for local schools, churches and Mercy Hospital. He received an honorary doctorate from the American International College and was a recipient of many civic awards and honors. Since moving to California, Mr. Shea became a Director of the Braille Institute, the Palm Springs Air Museum and the United Way of the Desert. Additionally he was a trustee of the Eisenhower Medical Center, a member of Sacred Heart Church's Finance Committee and served as Past President of Thunderbird Property Owners Association. Calling Hours at Forest Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary in Cathedral City will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, from 5pm until 7pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Palm Desert, Calif. on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at 10am followed by interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cathedral City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Galilee Center, P.O. Box 297, Thermal, CA 92274.
