Former POW Shively a lasting inspiration
If we are exceptionally fortunate in our lifetime, we may be blessed by knowing a person of uncommon valor and grace. James R. Shively was such a man. His vita confirms the talents and accomplishments of an individual of heroic stature.
Modest to a fault, Jim always dismissed efforts to extend to him even the humblest of tributes. A life so well-lived, so fruitful and so inspiring demands, however, a richer accounting.
Raised in the Spokane Valley, Jim graduated with honors from West Valley High School in 1960 and accepted U.S. Sen. Henry Jackson’s appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Because of its demanding atmosphere, Jim seriously considered leaving. In typical Shively fashion, though, he reflected upon and analyzed the breadth of the academy’s goals and opportunities, and he graduated in the upper ranks of his class. He went on to Georgetown University, where he received a master’s degree in international relations.
As the Vietnam War was escalating, the Air Force afforded him the opportunity to train and fly its top single-seat, single-engine jet fighter, the F-105.
After his training, Jim was sent to Thailand. On his 69th mission, while doggedly holding to his pre-set bombing pattern over Hanoi in spite of intense anti-aircraft fire, 2nd Lt. James Shively was hit and forced to eject. He landed in a muddy rice paddy and was quickly captured by waiting enemy ground forces.
The date was May 5, 1967. He would courageously endure more than 2,000 days in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” in a room with no shower and only a bucket for his body wastes. He was exposed to intense beating, torture, deprivations and barbaric abuse.
On Feb. 18, 1973, after nearly six years in captivity, Shively was released. The emaciated man who emerged from his tiny, hot, rat-infested cell was, by every benchmark, even more formidable than the brave young pilot who entered. A White House reception, and a hero’s welcome home, paid merited recognition to this Silver Star recipient’s distinguished military service to his beloved nation.
After his discharge from service in June 1974, Shively graduated from Gonzaga Law School and began private practice in 1977. A group of Washington state Democratic leaders recruited him to run for office. The long-range goal was a U.S. Senate seat, but Jim declined. His soul mate, Nancy, and his beloved daughters would not be denied his constant presence, attention, guidance and love for the remainder of his bountiful life.
Within a few years, he was asked to join the Eastern Washington U.S. Attorney’s Office and would, over a 20-year career, rise to the position of senior supervisor, overseeing both the criminal and civil divisions. He served one year as interim U.S. attorney while President Bush’s appointee awaited Senate confirmation in 2001.
Shively was a selfless volunteer mentor to numerous local high school and Gonzaga University students and a regular GU political science class guest speaker. Anyone who participated in one of his “java and jabber” sessions was engulfed by his warmth, humor, intelligence, gentleness and compassion.
James R. Shively was a precious gift to his family, friends, community and nation. He was a patriot in the finest meaning of the word.
Today we mourn his passing, and tomorrow we shall miss him. Let us, however, reflect on his exceptional life and be profoundly grateful.