James Ray Shanks, a lifelong resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a Graduate of Harrison High School passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2009.

James worked in retail sales and was a United States Army Veteran. He was born on October 5, 1958 in Fort Carson, Colorado to Clarence and Domie (Espinoza) Shanks.

He married his beloved Virginia E. Martinez on July 11, 1977 in Colorado Springs. James enjoyed fishing and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his children: Raymond R. Shanks and Melody Cortes; his siblings: Nancy Silva, Clarence Shanks, Jr., and William Shanks; his parents; and four grandchildren: Andrew Shanks, Angelina Cortes, Jasmine Cortes, and Israel “Peanut� Shanks. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Shanks, and his sister, Peggy Shanks.

A visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2009 at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1830 South Corona Avenue. Inurnment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum. Memorials in James' name may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.