Obituary of James Wayne Shaver

James Wayne Shaver, 87, of Fairmont, passed from this life December 30, 2022 at home, after a long-term illness. He was born in Fairmont on September 14, 1935, a son of the late Emmett and Delma Shaver. A very loving husband, father, grandfather, James put his family above all else. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren grow, explore the world, connect with others, tell jokes, cook, and entertain friends, tell stories of Shaver family history and host family gatherings. Mr. Shaver began his professional career as a coin collector with the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of West Virginia, where he rose to the rank of Commercial Manager. Early in his career, Mr. Shaver was a Master Gunnery Sergeant with the Army National Guard, the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Continental Telephone Service Corporation, President of Continental Telephone Carribbean holdings, Managing Director of Jamaica Telephone Company Limited Region, and General Commercial Manager of Continental Telephone Company's Southeast Region. James was the Assistant Commissioner for International Affairs with the United States Customs Service where he served with distinction and received a Distinguished Executive Presidential award in recognition of his commitment to excellence. Mr. Shaver was later elected as the fifth Secretary General for the World Customs Organization. As Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Mr. Shaver was instrumental in the development of international standards, fostering cooperation and building capacity to facilitate legitimate trade, securing fair revenue collection, and providing leadership, guidance and support to Customs administrations. Upon retiring in 1999, Mr. Shaver largely dedicated his life to spending time with his family, travelling, and general fun and adventure with his wife, Florencia. Mr. Shaver is survived by his loving and selfless wife of almost 49 years Florencia A. Shaver; two sons and daughters-in-law Dan and Sharon Shaver of Gallatin, TN and Jason and Diane Shaver of Glenwood, MD; four daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Darrell Ramsey of Geneva, OH, Lynne Shaver of Buckannon, WV, Annette and Paul D'Aurora of Tampa, FL, and Patricia Shaver Carlock of Rapides Parish, LA; 8 grandchildren Megan and her husband Erman Aydin, Ryan, Liam, Jack, Allia, Trent, Harmony and River; his brother Otis Shaver of Fairmont. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother John Shaver and sister Elizabeth Shaver Wycoff. Friends may call at the Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, WV 26554 on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 1:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M. with a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 P.M. A committal service will follow in the Shaver Family Farm Cemetery on Old Monongah Road in Fairmont. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.FORDFUNERALHOMES.com In lieu of flowers, it was Mr. Shaver's request that donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, or the Shriners International Fraternal Organization for Men." Friends will be received at the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. The funeral service will be celebrated in the funeral home on Tuesday at 2:00 PM with Reverend James Norton presiding. The family requests friends to wear masks for the visitation and funeral service. The interment will follow in the Shaver Family Cemetery on Old Monongah Road. The Marion County Honor Guard will provide military rites at the graveside. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com. The Shaver family has entrusted the care and arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel in Fairmont, WV.