James Thedford Shaw, 78, of Cary, died suddenly on Friday, Oct. 3 at Rex Hospital. Shaw dedicated 21 years in the United States Air Force to protect the country. He lived in Tokyo, London, Spain, and Alaska. He was an avid fisherman. Shaw was placed on the US international Deep Sea Team to represent the US in Ireland, Spain, England, and France. Mr. Shaw was President of Shaw Commercial Realty, Inc of Cary.

Shaw is survived by his wife, Novella Price Shaw, his nieces and nephews, and many close friends. Shaw is preceded in death by his son who was killed while on active duty with the Los Angeles Police Department.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Sunday, Oct. 5 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. (Hwy 55) in Apex.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, or a charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be made to www.apexfuneral.com.