Jim Sheler, who served as Lacey’s parks director for 35 years, has died

Jim Sheler, who served as the city of Lacey’s parks and recreation director for 35 years, died on April 13. He was 71.

The city of Lacey announced his passing on Friday. A cause of death was not disclosed.

Sheler was born June 16, 1947 and raised in Albany, Oregon. He attended Oregon State University, where he earned an undergraduate degree in recreation administration, then worked in the Albany area before he went to work for Lacey in 1974.

The relatively new city — Lacey was incorporated in 1966 — barely had a parks department in 1974. It had no permanent employees, no dedicated budget and only three parks, according to city information.

But over the next 35 years, the system grew to 26 parks and more than 500 acres. By the time of his retirement in 2009, the city’s parks department had 13 employees and an annual budget of $3.2 million.

“Jim was truly passionate about Lacey and building a parks system that would benefit and be enjoyed by all ages,” said City Manager Scott Spence in a statement. “He was the personification of outstanding public service, and one of the most dedicated professionals I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

Sheler is survived by his wife, Sammy; two stepsons; six grandchildren; and his younger brother. He was preceded in death by his parents and an older brother, according to an obituary posted on the Mills & Mills Funeral Home website.

A celebration of life is set for 1 p.m. May 3 at Mills & Mills, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater. Contributions to the “Lacey Parks & Recreation Jim Sheler Memorial Fund” can be made in person or via mail to Lacey Parks & Recreation, 420 College Street SE, Lacey, WA 98503.

This story was originally published April 28, 2019 at 3:19 PM.