One of Tupelo’s most celebrated attorney’s and champion of the least, last and most vulnerable amongst us, Hon. Jimmy Doug Shelton died suddenly Wednesday morning, December 13, 2017 at his residence in East Tupelo of an apparent heart attack. Jimmy Doug was from a pioneer East Tupelo family and was born here on July 26, 1937 to the late John W. and Willie Davis Shelton. He attended Tupelo High School, Itawamba Junior College, graduated from Mississippi State University and received his J.D. from the Jackson School of Law. Counselor Shelton practiced law in Tupelo from 1967-2004 at the Shelton Law Firm where he tried by jury over 1000 cases in his long legal career. He was an astute student of the law and had a passionate heart for the little man often representing poor people pro bono. An entrepreneur and businessman, Jimmy Doug owned rental properties, dealt in used cars, formerly owned a restaurant and shoe store and actively pursued other business interests in his life. Mr. Shelton believed in Tupelo and Northeast Mississippi and was a great promotor of the economic development of the area. A lifelong Democrat, he was a behind the scenes political activist whose advice and encouragement was sought by many aspiring politicians. Jimmy Doug was instrumental in the development of East Tupelo, especially the Elvis Presley Birthplace and took great pride in the unfolding legal and political careers of his sons, Jason and Jon. He served many years in the Mississippi National Guard. He was a member of the Open Door Baptist Church.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Friday, December 15, 2017 at the East Heights Baptist Church in Tupelo with Bro. Ben Raper and Bro. Tim Brown officiating with eulogies by Judge Jim Roberts and Judge Jacqueline Mask. Private burial will be in the Shelton Family Plot at Priceville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 PM-8PM Thursday at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors and from Noon-service time on Friday at East Heights Baptist Church.
Counselor Shelton leaves his two sons who followed him in the legal profession; Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton and Hon. Jon Shelton both of Tupelo. his long time special friend and legal associate, Sue Carnathan of Tupelo. A niece, Sherrie Dickerson (Buddy) of Tupelo and nephew, Barry Shelton (Amy) of Madison, MS. , his sister in law, Mrs. Billy (Ruth) Shelton of Saltillo. Numerous cousins and a host of friends everywhere. He was preceded in death by his parents , his brother, Hon. Billy Shelton, Attorney at Law and two infant siblings.
Memorials may be made to the Elvis Presley Birthplace Foundation, P. O. Box 1339, Tupelo, MS. 38802.
