Jim Shank

James Arthur “Jim” Shank, 71, of Cape Girardeau and formerly of Jackson passed away Monday, March 3, 2025, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born June 30, 1953, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the son of James E. Jr. and Evelyn C. Roewe Shank. He married Deborah J. “Debbie” Vaughn on Oct. 4, 1975. She passed away Aug. 17, 2010. Jim married Jaci McDowell Gohn in 2016, and she survives.

Jim was a graduate of Belleville West High School in Belleville, Illinois, and attended Southwestern Illinois Community College. In 1985, Jim and Debbie moved to Jackson, where he went to work for Southeast Missouri State University, retiring in 2014.

He was a member of Mount Auburn Christian Church in Cape Girardeau. He enjoyed landscaping, Bible study, walking, hiking and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Jaci Shank; two sons, Chris (Dana Formon) Shank of Marietta, Georgia, and Nate Shank of Fenton; and two stepsons, Adam (Svetha) Gohn and Eli Gohn.

In addition to his wife, Debbie, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Reed Shank, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq, and a sister, Judy Shank.

A memorial visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Mount Auburn Christian Church in Cape Girardeau.

The Rev. Casey Elmore will conduct the memorial service at 7 p.m. Friday, March 7, at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mid-America Teen Challenge in Cape Girardeau.

Arrangements were by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

To leave an online condolence to the family, visit www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.