Neal "Banjo Man" Shannon James II Obituary (1963 - 2019)

Neal "Banjo Man" Shannon James II, 55, of Stanford, KY passed away on Friday, February 1, 2019 in Willisburg, KY. Born August 10, 1963 in Stanford, KY to the late Neal James and Nancy Poynter James. Neal was a graduate of Lincoln County High School, a former employee of ATR Inc., and a member of Willow Grove Baptist Church. He was a Kentucky Colonel and was a songwriter/musician that led him to become a member of BMI, the largest music rights group in the United States. He co-starred on "Call of the Wildman" with Ernie Brown Jr., also known as, "Turtleman"; which aired for four seasons on Animal Planet, making him a local and national celebrity. His down to earth and easy going personality made him a fan favorite. Because of Neal's kind heart and love of serving the Lord, he volunteered a lot of his time mentoring and helping at Isaiah House in Willisburg, KY. His favorite saying was, "Jesus Rocks"! Survivors include his wife, Rosemary James; two sons, Kenny James (Brooke) of Virginia, Ronnie Isaacs II (Stephanie) of Irvin, KY; two daughters, Sara McBride (Adam) of Harrodsburg, KY, Victoria Miller (Justin) of Stanford, KY; two sisters, Carol Bell of Stanford, KY, Janice Tillett (Ron) of Stanford, KY; eight grandchildren, Josie Luttman, Chloe Miller, Isabella Miller, Justin Luttman, Joshua McBride, Elizabeth McBride, Benjamin James, and Jacob James. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Donald Lee James; a granddaughter, Laura Shannon James; one niece, Tami Owens; and a special brother-in-law, Joe Bell. Visitation will be Monday, February 4, 2019 at Lincoln County High School Stuart Underwood Auditorium from 5-9pm. A private funeral service and interment will be held at a later date. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given or mailed to Spurlin Funeral Home (411 W. Main Street, Stanford, KY 40484) as donations to help the family with funeral expenses.