Shannon Massey

Remembering Shannon

On November 25th at 12:10am James DeShannon Massey, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

United States Marine, Pascagoula Police Department Captain, Retired, National FBI Academy Graduate Class 264, esteemed father, and loving husband.  Shannon was called home after a courageous fight with Cancer.  At Shannon’s request, he was surrounded by his immediate family who will continue honoring his legacy by living their lives in a manner which represents his teachings and proves his success as a father.

Shannon received his Bachelor of Science and master’s in Business Administration, Host City Committee Member for the USS Mississippi submarine commissioning, Inaugural flight Guardian for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight, and a Life Member of the VFW Post 3373 where he served as past post commander amongst many other distinguished titles and accomplishments. He also accomplished running two Marine Corp Marathons.  Shannon enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  His passion was for the law and upholding what is right no matter the circumstances.

Shannon found his soulmate and love of his life in the former Angela “Angie” Zender of Pascagoula Mississippi.  They exchange their vows on December 28, 1999. Their union blessed us all with their daughter Allyson “Ally” and son James. This love gave him the two roles he found most significant and of the upmost importance, the roles of “husband” and “daddy”.  Shannon’s dedication did not waver when it came to consistently attacking the two roles with enthusiasm and performing them to the highest caliber.

Shannon’s favorite pastime was spending time in the woods and on the water with his daughter and son.  He loved teaching them the joys of hunting, protection, and eating of the land.  Together with Angie, they embedded the essential values of having integrity, the value of friendship, significances of loyalty, and the love and obedience to our Lord, God the Father.  Being the unit core, he assumed the roles of a protector, the provider, and the disciplinarian, all while strengthening his family bond and teaching life lessons.  These lessons, values, and morals he instilled in his children are vividly reflected by how respectful of individuals they are, also by how respected they are by others.

Shannon, although quiet in nature, loved to joke and poke fun at friends!  His humor provided him a special gift to make everyone feeling as if they were his one and only friend.

Shannon is survived by his loving wife, Angie; his children, Ally and James; parents Jimmy and Shirley; a sister, Shirrell Williams; his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Marsha Zender; his brothers-in-law, Billy (Beth) Zender and John Michael (Amy) Zender; his nieces and nephews, Will Zender, Jack Zender, Anna Zender, Lundy (Reagan) Williams, Libby Williams, and Lesley Williams; and a host of Extended Family.

He is preceded in death by grandparents, Dennis and Virginia Massey, Rush Churchwell, and Aline Cooley all of Greene County, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will be John Michael Zender, Billy Zender, Jeff Barnes, Keith Havard (Sheriff of George County), Joe Don Cunningham (Pascagoula Police Deputy Chief), Joe Nicholson (Chief of Staff for Representative Mike Ezell).  Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the VFW Post of 3373.

Shannon and Family would like to extend an extra special Thank you to the following friends: Randall Cobb, Jason Green, Amy Brown, and the May Sisters (we know Shannon and Dixie are dancing with Ski laughing), Julie Watkins, Drs Randy and Tracy Roth, Ashley Brown and Team with Hospice for Life, and Singing River Nurse Alex Eubanks.  Finally, the love and support provided by Beth Zender “The Rock.”

Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, from 10 am – 12 pm at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 4114 First Street, Moss Point, MS 39563.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 pm in the church.  Interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent Pascagoula VFW Post 3373, P.O. Box 400, Pascagoula, MS 39568.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is serving the family, and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com