James W. Shanks, 71, of Branford, passed away Monday, May 5, 2014 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, West Haven, surrounded by his loving family. Born in New Haven on May 14, 1942; son of the late Albert and Margaret Cunningham Shanks. He served his country faithfully in the US Army during the Vietnam War and had worked for the Cheshire Board of Education. James loved horse racing and motorcycles. Father of Patty. Step father of Dawn and Ricky. Brother of Gordon (Alice) Shanks, William Shanks, Fran Novaco and the late Margaret Lucky, Edward Shanks and Alice Esquilian. Also survived by his grandchildren.

His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Friday morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated is St. Frances Cabrini Church at 11:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Thursday from 5 to 8 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook Street, I-91 Tech Ctr. #3, Rocky Hill, CT 06067or the Jared Allen 69 Wounded Warriors (Donations may be made online).