CHICOPEE – James Patrick “Jimmy” Shepard, 24, of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Monday, December 15, 2014. He passed into Eternal Life from his home after a courageous, valiant battle with cancer surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and his wonderful caregivers. He was born in Springfield on May 23, 1990, a beloved son of Reid H. and Brenda J. (Patrick) Shepard of Chicopee. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated in 2008 from Chicopee Comprehensive High School and was a lifelong resident of Chicopee. Following graduation from high school, Jimmy enlisted in the Air National Guard and served his country at Barnes Air Force Base in Westfield. He served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Enduring Freedom and in support of Operation Noble Eagle, attaining the rank of Senior Airman. He received the Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with a Gold Border, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with One Service Star and the Air Force Training Ribbon. Jimmy was also employed at Barnes Air Force Base in Westfield as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Apprentice. During his leisure time, Jimmy enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed fishing, playing video games, carpentry and tinkering with numerous projects. He was also active in many dart and pool leagues in the Chicopee area. He was a communicant of Saint Anne Church and a member of the Fairview Council 4044 Knights of Columbus, both in Chicopee. Besides his beloved parents, he leaves his loving life partner, Samantha M. “Sam” Kratzer and her parents, Ernest J. and Laurie A. (Burroughs) Kratzer, all of Chicopee; his loving brother, Daniel R. Shepard of Chicopee; his loving grandparents, James E. and Lorraine E. (Ricard) Patrick of Chicopee; and his many loving uncles, aunts and cousins including Matthew J. Nichols of Chicopee who was his cherished cousin by birth and his brother by choice. He also leaves many dear friends and extended members of the Shepard, Patrick and Kratzer families. He will also be missed by his faithful canine companions, his dogs Walter and Maggie-Molly. Jimmy was predeceased by his beloved grandparents, Leonard and Eunice (Hastings) Shepard. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday morning, December 20, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Following the Mass at Saint Anne Church with United States Air Force Military Honors, his family would like to invite all present to a reception and Celebration of Life at the Castle of Knights Meeting and Banquet House, 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, MA 01020. There are no visiting hours. His funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com