James Paul O'Shana

James “Jim” Paul O’Shana (Paintman), 78, of Sherman, formerly of Petersburg and Jacksonville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2023, at home, after a year-long illness. It was such an appropriate day, Veterans Day, since he was a proud Veteran and always hosted a party at the VFW to honor them. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a great friend and is being honored by his family and friends for his life and accomplishments. He was born in Gary, Indiana, the son of Abraham and Wilma O’Shana on January 6, 1945. He attended Indiana University, participating in track and football. He left early, joined the Marines, and was sent to Vietnam. After being injured in combat, he was honorably discharged and came home, where he joined his father at his paint store. He eventually moved to Jacksonville, IL, and worked at honing his painting skills with good friends, Bob and Mike Large, and eventually opened his own store. He was also active in Jacksonville as a well-known Junior Football League coach, loving every minute of working with and teaching young kids. He also joined the Moose organization and participated in many fund-raising activities. Later he would join Sherwin Williams, where he had a successful career as a Sales Rep and Store Manager until his retirement in 2005. He was very successful, winning numerous awards and accolades. He developed quite a reputation for being a perfectionist but also a great mentor and trainer for new employees and everyone at the company seemed to know the “legendary” Jim O’Shana. He married Rose Ann Woods and had two children, a daughter Jamie, and a son, Ryan. He later married Vicki Williams and they settled in Petersburg at the lake. It was perfect for him because he loved fishing and golfing. He was also active with Petersburg VFW Post 6871, serving as the Quartermaster, a job he took VERY seriously. (You can ask anyone at the V.) While living in Petersburg, he joined the Masonic Clinton Lodge #19 and eventually became a member of the Ansar Shrine. He is survived by his wife, Vicki; a daughter, Jamie (David) Eyth; two grandsons, Austin and Connor Eyth; a son, Ryan O’Shana; stepsons, Michael (Toni) Hickey, Brian (Patience) Williams and Chris (Jamie) Williams; and ten bonus grandchildren. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 10 am to 11 am at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. A memorial service and masonic service, by the Clinton Lodge #19, will immediately follow at the funeral home. Burial and military rites, by the Menard County Inter Veterans Ceremony Unit, will follow services at Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg. A luncheon will be held at Shambolee Golf Course following the cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. Please visit hurleyfh.com to see Jim's online obituary.

James Paul O'Shana

January 6, 1945 - November 11, 2023

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