James Sheckler

James was born in Burlington, IA in 1932. His father was a tool and die maker and his mother a former teacher in a one room school house before she was married.

James graduated Burlington High School and went to college at Olivet Nazerene University where he met his wife Frances. He attended seminary and ended up ministering in Prairie City, IA. He later moved to Bettendorf, IA where he taught 5th grade.

Jim says his love of painting art stemmed from a gift of acrylic paint from his wife, Frances. He enjoys painting all types of subjects: animals, famous people, still life and florals. His attention to detail is impeccable and he is probably his strictest critic.

Jim suffered a catastrophic stroke in 2018 that left his right hand paralyzed. He adapted and learned how to paint using his left hand. For the past several years he has continued to paint, mostly portraits  of his wife and grandchildren.