Our brother in Christ, James “Jimmy” Shelhorse, died Monday, January 2. He and his wife, Jane, were married here at St. George’s years ago. Most recently they have been worshiping with our sister parish, the Church of the Messiah. Jimmy had a long career with the Fredericksburg Police Department and founded its mounted patrol unit. Given their history with St. George’s and the fact that there is likely to be a large congregation (due to the fact that both Jim and Jane are beloved public servants in Fredericksburg) and a burial nearby, the family asked if we would host the funeral.
On Monday, January 9, at 11:00 a.m. we will celebrate the gift of eternal life through Christ and remember the life of Jim Shelhorse. The rector of the Church of the Messiah, the Rev. Kyle Tomlin, will co-officiate with me. Please allow ample time for parking (use of the public lots on Sophia St. and parking garage on Wolfe St. is encouraged) as a number of downtown streets, including Princess Anne St., will be closed from 10 a.m. until the conclusion of the procession to accommodate the horse-drawn hearse and horses of mounted police officers.
After the service, all are invited to follow the family and official horse-led procession to the Fredericksburg City Cemetery for the burial. Walking is encouraged; if you choose to drive, there is limited parking at the old Free Lance-Star building at 620 Amelia St. for handicapped and elderly persons. You may also proceed directly to the reception at the Dorothy Hart Community Center, located at 408 Canal St.
A visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at Covenant Funeral Service. More details and the obituary can be found at: http://covenantfuneralservice.com/obituaries/james-f-shelhorse/
Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen.
Your rector and brother in Christ,
Joe+
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