COMMUNITY, CR

Family reflects on the vibrant life and legacy of Jimmy Shaver

In the close-knit community of Goshen, one man leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who knew him.

Jimmy Shaver was more than just a farmer. He wore many hats, both figuratively and literally. His enviable cap collection wasn’t store-bought either — it was hard-earned with a lifetime of devotion to the many local organizations they represented, including South Alabama Electric Cooperative, where he served on the board for an impressive 41 years.

With Jimmy’s baseball caps showcased on the kitchen table, his wife, LaRue, and two sons, Curtiss and Jim, pored over his belongings as they reflected on the legacy of a man whose love for his community was woven into the very fabric of his life.

Connection, camaraderie

Jimmy’s social nature was evident in his daily interactions. Most mornings, you’d find Jimmy at the Eagle’s Nest, a local gas station deli. If someone wandered in while Jimmy was there, he’d strike up a conversation, taking genuine interest in their lives.

“If somebody walked in who he didn’t know, before they left, he would know all about them,” LaRue says. “It was because he cared. A lot of people thought it was just nosy, but he really cared about everyone.”

Little black book

Among his close friends, Jimmy became known for his “little black book,” a small yearly calendar he carried in his back pocket. This unassuming little book served as his personal hard drive. When one filled up, he bought another and stored away his used books for safekeeping. Inside their pages were meticulously recorded phone numbers, names and appointments that spanned years.

While some poked fun at his reliance on handwritten notes, Jimmy’s trust in his little black book never wavered. He spurned computers, opting for the tangi- ble reassurance of hard copies. His white truck, a familiar sight around Goshen, was easily identified by its dashboard always covered in loose papers, documents and reminders. “It was his filing cabinet,” Jim says.

To Jimmy, his little black book and clut- tered dashboard reflected his fidelity to the community he loved. To him, it was important to keep track of names, numbers and appointments, to ensure that he never forgot a commitment or overlooked a connection.

‘It was good times’

That love for personal connection brought Jimmy and LaRue together at the square dances where their lives intertwined. Their friend groups often mingled at a corner in Goshen, where they would gather to drink Cokes and listen to music from the record player in Jimmy’s black Pontiac. “There were always a bunch of us, and it was good times,” LaRue says.

Before their paths crossed, Jimmy had already served in the Navy aboard the USS Hancock. After completing his service, he worked for South Central Bell as a microwave station technician, assisting with the smooth operation of telephones