James Art Shannon

James Art Shannon, 84, of Ottawa, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 8 from 10:00am until 1:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 1:00pm, with Pastor Darin Jones officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery.    

Art was born January 16, 1939 in Pontiac, IL to Raymond and Mary (Mulera) Shannon.  He served in the United States Army in the Second Armored Division (Hell on Wheels).  Art was known in his division as “Little Sarge”.  He worked 15 plus years for Shannon Brothers Data Processing, 5 years with Chem Dry Carpet Cleaning and 17 years for Transportation with a Personal Touch transporting Special Needs Students.  

Art married Lynn Saltsman April 28, 1962 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa, IL.  They were married 61 years.  He loved his family, riding his motorcycle, horseback riding and downhill skiing.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn (Saltsman) Shannon of Ottawa; two daughters, Kandee Jo Salerno and Melanie Heermann; five grandchildren, Brooke Wantland, Jordan Wantland, Kelley Jo Priesman, Robyn Heermann and Nick Heermann; six great grand children, Ameen, Anthony, Tank, Paxton, Harper, Veida, Rocky, Thea and Beatrix; one brother, Don Shannon; and two sisters, Helen Powell and Colletta Hilton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Geroldine Burke, Janet Salz, Rita Salz, and Margaret (Gerta) Bertrand; one brother, Raymoud Shannon and one great grandchild, Hollie Wantland.

Memorials may be directed to Fisher House, 500 South 5th Ave, Building 100 Hines, IL 60141 - (708) 202-7154
 

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