Dr. James “Jim” Edward Shollenberger
Dr. James “Jim” Edward Shollenberger, 72, died Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi in Oxford. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Louisville, KY to the late James Alvin and Dorris Briel Shollenberger, Dr. Shollenberger served as a Captain in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. Jim was christened Catholic at Our Lady of Lourdes in Louisville, KY and played on two Minor League Baseball teams. He had a long career in Theatre, Film and Television.
Dr. Shollenberger served as Professor & Chair in the Department of Theatre Arts from 1977–2010 at the University of Mississippi. He was involved locally in Theatre Oxford, Humane Society, and the Oxford Film Festival. Jim founded the nationally recognized Festival of Southern Theatre (1984–1995) which showcased plays & playwrights about the south. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Bruce Shollenberger.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Leah Rutledge Shollenberger of Oxford, Mississippi; two daughters, Tia Lynn Shollenberger Mapes of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Kristin Dawn Shollenberger Pheasant and her husband, David of Manassas Park, Virginia and two brothers, Gary Evan Shollenberger of Louisville, KY and Thomas Lee Shollenberger of Duncanville, Texas.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Dr. Shollenberger’s memory may be made to: 9 Lives Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 2006, Oxford, MS 38655 – www.9livescatrescue.org ; The Pantry, 713 Molly Barr, Oxford, MS 38655 or FURR – Feral University Rebel Rescuers, 2607 Sterling Dr., Oxford, MS 38655.
In honor of Dr. Shollenberger’s service to our country, the flag of the United States Air Force will be flown at Waller Funeral Home.