James Robert “BIG DADDY” Shields

February 13, 1948 - January 9, 2013
James Robert “BIG DADDY” Shields


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James Robert “BIG DADDY” Shields, 64, of Wilmington, NC, passed away unexpectedly with a heart attack while at work on Wednesday, January 9, 2013.

Mr. Shields was born in Clinton, NC, to the late Robert Frederick Shields and Marianna Herring Shields. He was employed by Capital Ford and was of the Baptist faith. He was an accomplished musician/lead guitarist known to many as “Big Daddy”. He was an avid sports fan, especially the
ACC, NC Tarheels, and the Carolina Panthers.

Survivors include his loving wife of 30 years, Sandra Cranford Shields; one son, Robert Shields and wife, Stacey, of Knightdale, NC; sister in law, Cindy Swink of Greensboro; two brothers in law, Rick Cranford of Hildebran, NC, and Randy Cranford of Loganville, GA; and his babies, Bella, Prince, and Spice.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM, Saturday, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services will be 1 PM, Sunday, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be 3:30 PM, Sunday, at Clinton Cemetery, Clinton, NC.

Mr. Shields has requested that funeral attendees wear bright colors to his service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hanover Humane Society, 2405 N. 23rd St., Wilmington, NC, 28401.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • January 13, 2013
    Monica Caison says:
    I just heard the news upon retiming to town, very sorry for your loss. I had the honor to play with Jim in the 90's and he was a very talented musician. Lifting all who loved him up in prayer during this difficult time.

  • January 11, 2013
    Patrick Beville says:
    I did not know the man personally. I do know that his son is an incredible person - and that speaks volumes for the kind of man "big Daddy" was.

  • January 11, 2013
    Carey Jones says:
    Jim Bob always had a smile on his face, a song from his mouth, and a good word for the day. He welcomed me to Clinton High a long time ago and was always positive. May he play with the Jesus' band forever.

  • January 11, 2013
    Scott and Becky Carter says:
    Dear Robert and Stacey, and to the rest of your family, especially Sandy: We are so terribly sorry for your loss. Please know our prayers and support are with you and for you. May you feel God's presence, especially during this difficult time, and know His peace and comfort. Scott and Becky Carter

  • January 12, 2013
    Michael Raab says:
    When Maco Station was playing in a club with a stage big enough to accommodate a keyboard player, and a nights pay big enough to pay an additional musician, Big Jim would give me a call and say "Mike, you want to play a gig?" It was always fun turning out classic rock with Big Daddy on guitar. There's a mighty big hole in the local music scene with Big Jim gone and he will be missed by many, many friends.