James Dalton Sheley, 25, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, leaving behind a family, a mountain of friends, and probably several unfinished arguments he started while his sugar was low.
He was born in Weston on November 10, 2000, a son of Charles A. Sheley, Jr. and Angela D. Parks Sheley of Buckhannon.
James lived with type 1 diabetes since the young age of 3, but anyone who knew him knew James was much bigger than that diagnosis. He was an athlete through school and for most of his life. During the summers, James spent his time as a lifelong camper and later a counselor at Camp Kno-Koma. As a counselor, he taught young people of all ages how to live full lives while dealing with the daily hardships of diabetes. Camp was never just camp to James; it was family, and to some campers, counselors, and staff, James became part of the reason camp felt like home. He understood the hard days, the burn out, the fear, and exhaustion that can come with diabetes because he lived it too. James made kids feel less alone, laugh when they were struggling, and no matter what he showed up… probably late, but he showed up! James’ impact on his camp family cannot be measured, and the love they have for him reaches far beyond just a single season of life.
James collected friends everywhere he went—from coworkers at Wonder Bar Steakhouse to people along the Buckhannon mail route who looked forward to seeing him daily. You didn’t forget James once you met him. Partly because he was built like a refrigerator with the wingspan of a small aircraft, but mostly because of the comfort he brought people. James was impossible to ignore, dressed to make a statement, would do absolutely anything if you “double dared” him to, lived his life entirely on his own terms, and had zero shame in being genuinely and authentically himself. If he couldn’t make people laugh, James could at least make things awkward enough that he laughed, which honestly seemed just as rewarding to him. James was “stubborn as hell” and hated change, which explains why he willingly ate basically the same three things 90% of his life, despite being an incredible cook. He somehow still survived off eating grilled cheese with pepperoni, at least once a day, like it was part of a legally binding contract.
But James wasn’t the kind of person who “lit up a room.” He wasn’t loud in that way. James was the warmth creeping through your blinds after a cold night, the calm feeling after a bad day, the person who sat beside you when things hurt—a gentle giant. His arms were the loudest “everything’s going to be okay” without saying a word. James was the feeling you get when you laugh so hard you cry but still can’t stop laughing despite the gut pain and possible pee. He had many talents, but often chose to focus on the ones he absolutely did not possess—like gracefully dancing, singing on key, or good driving skills (which he desired, but his sister inherited instead). Those who witnessed James’ mess were richer for the experience.
Being an uncle was one of James’ greatest joys and biggest headaches. He was the forehead moochie before bed, the monster slayer, the cuddle to help you fall back asleep, the teacher and master of “let em’ learn!”, the game player, the lego builder, and the protector from all things scary.
In addition to his parents, James also leaves behind his big sister and partner in crime, Morgan Jade Sheley of Buckhannon; two nephews and one niece who absolutely adored and looked up to him: Chandlar Dillon Smith, Judah Micheal Issac Smith, and Ivy Mary Robin Smith; soul chosen brother who was family since they met in football, Rondon Ceasar of Buckhannon; beloved dog/child, Jackson; and countless family members, friends, coworkers, campers, and people in general who were lucky enough to be loved by him.
The world feels a lot less warm without James in it. But James was strong in his faith and now soars limitless with our Lord. Not gone, just unseen. Protecting his loved ones and being the best guardian angel a person could ask for.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made directly to Clutter Funeral and Cremation. CLICK HERE to donate or mail donations to 21 Elnora Circle, Buckhannon, WV 26201. James’ request for cremation has been honored.
We, at Clutter Funeral & Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon, are honored and privileged to serve the family of James Dalton Sheley. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
