James J. Shear

Colonel James J. Shear, P.A. United States Air Force • United States Army Colonel James J. Shear, P.A., a distinguished military officer, and Physician Assistant, passed away after a remarkable lifetime devoted to duty, honor, and service, on September 10th, 2026.

James was born on March 7th, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey, to parents William and Donata Shear; he was one of six children. He spent his early years as a fire fighter in Newark, NJ. During the 1970s, he earned his medical degree from Rutgers University, further preparing him for a career in which he would serve not only as an officer, but also responsible for the health and welfare of his fellow service members. Colonel Shear honorably served the United States for 37 years as a Medical Officer in both the United States Air Force and United States Army. Throughout his distinguished military career, he served three tours in Vietnam and one tour in Kuwait during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His commitment to duty and his fellow service members earned him numerous military decorations and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Hearts, and Meritorious Service Medals, among many other honors recognizing his courage, professionalism, and dedication. Throughout his military career, Colonel Shear and his beloved wife, Valerie C. Shear, shared a life of service, sacrifice, and adventure. James and Valerie, together with their daughters, Pamela and Patricia, traveled extensively throughout Europe and North America as his military assignments carried the family around the world. Through each assignment and every new chapter, Valerie remained steadfast at his side. After years of military service and travel, the family ultimately established their home in Saint Petersburg, Florida. After his Retirement from the military, James continued his life’s mission by working at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center in Saint Petersburg, Florida, where he devoted himself to caring for and serving his fellow veterans. His legacy, however, extends beyond his rank and decorations. It lives in the veterans he cared for, the service members he served beside, the family who stood beside him throughout his career, and the generations that follow him.

Colonel Shear was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Valerie C. Shear; his daughter, Pamela Moore-Shear; his parents, William and Donata Shear; and his brothers, William and Joseph Shear. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Poorman and her husband, Daniel Poorman; brother, Dennis Shear and his wife, Irene Shear; sisters, Catherine Wysocki and JoAnn Buccine; son-in-law, Premic Gala; Nieces & nephew, Jeffrey Shear, Adam and Georganne Buccine, and his beloved grandchildren, Raven Shear, Corrin Gala-Moore-Shear, Abigail Poorman, Kieran Moore-Shear. Following his passing, Colonel Shear will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery within a year. His wife will be joining him in his final resting place.

Your duty is complete. Your service is remembered. Your legacy lives on through your family, your fellow veterans, and all those you served with. Colonel James J. Shear, P.A. Rest well Colonel.