James S. ‘Jimmy’ Shank, 40, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away unexpectedly on December 11, 2023. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of James R. and Victoria R. (Imerese) Shank.
James was a 2001 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, where he participated in Band and Chorus and received numerous county and state recognitions and awards. He attended Nazareth College for Music Education and later moved to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he graduated from Concordia University with 2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Human Relations and Human Environment. Jimmy later earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work from McGill University in Montreal. He was employed as a Licensed Social Worker in Montreal for over 15 years, where he worked for various health care organizations and hospitals with a focus in Family Counseling and Substance Abuse disorders.
In June of 2023, James moved back home to be closer to his family, who meant everything to him. In the 5 months that Jimmy was back home with his family, he packed in 15 years of fun and memories that he missed while he was away. He was very excited to begin this new chapter in his life, and was planning on going back to school to fulfill his dream of becoming a Traveling Nurse.
More than anything, James loved his family, especially his nieces, who he cherished deeply. He was their favorite ‘big kid’ playmate, whether it was swimming with them in the pool, gardening, taking them to local musical events and shows or teaching them arts and crafts. He was their ride buddy on the recent family trip to Disney World and was willing to go on any and every attraction with them, and made it a point to bring them Trick or Treating every year on Halloween. Jimmy found great joy in attending all of their events, whether it be dance recitals, gymnastics, teeball games, soccer practices and swim meets, where he loved volunteering as a timer and cheering on all of the children from all of the schools.
James traveled extensively worldwide, and always enjoyed new adventures and making new memories and friends. An animal lover, Jimmy adored his cats, Artemis and Phylicia. He was also licensed as a hairdresser and massage therapist, and found great comfort in helping those in pain and in need. Jimmy loved tie dying, and making artwork, and was always the most excited to share his creations with others. James was also a talented musician and was able play almost any instrument that he was presented with. Given his love of music, he recently joined the Niagara Falls Community Choir, where he enjoyed performing and making new friends. He was a very selfless and giving individual who would do anything for anybody. Jimmy will be remembered most for his sense of humor, ability to make anyone smile, his laugh, his kindness and his welcoming nature to all of those who he encountered.
In addition to his beloved parents, James is survived by his loving sister with whom he shared a special bond, Jillian M. (Mario J.) Colucci; his beloved nieces who adored him, Liliana R. Colucci and Carlotta M. Colucci, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends in Niagara Falls, Montreal, and around the world who loved and cared for him deeply. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Stephen and Mona Imerese; his paternal grandparents, Dale and Margaret Shank, as well several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 20 from 5 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7 PM. Flowers are graciously declined. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Falls Community Choir or St. Peter R.C. School – Extracurriculars, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
