The Rev. Canon James L. Shannon of Philadelphia passed away on May 23, 2024 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.  He was 78 years old.  Born in Easton, PA, he was the son of the late Thomas and Marjorie (Reed) Shannon.  He was also the beloved husband of the late Donald P. Hartz.

James was a graduate of Easton High School and Fairleigh Dickinson University where he completed his junior year of study with the Institute of American Universities, Aix-en-Provence, France.   Following graduation, he joined the Peace Corp spending two years in Nigeria teaching English. He later studied at the Philadelphia Episcopal Divinity School earning a Master of Divinity.   He was ordained a Deacon by the Rt. Reverend Leland W. F. Stark and Priest by the Rt. Reverend Robert L. Dewitt.  James began his vocation as an Assistant Priest at Christ Church, Philadelphia.  Following that he accepted the call as Rector at St Paul, Aramingo, Philadelphia.

He was a faithful servant of the Church and the communities where he served. He was the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Theological Institute for many years bringing a wide spectrum of well-known Anglican theologians to Philadelphia for conferences, programs, and retreats and Chair of the Communication Committee of the Diocese.  James served on the Board of the Pen Ryn School in Fairless Hills, as well as Assistant to the Sister's of Saint Margaret House.  James served as Assistant Rector of Trinity Church Princeton. He assumed the position of Priest in Charge at Christ church Eddystone, Bensalem prior to being elevated to Canon at the Philadelphia Cathedral.  He was a member of the Board of the Alumni Association of the Episcopal Divinity School (formerly Philadelphia Divinity School). Preceding his retirement, he served as the Interim Rector at the Church of the Epiphany, Royersford. In retirement James worshiped at St Peters, Philadelphia.

Don and James were masters at entertaining with elegant place settings, candles, crystal and fresh flowers. They made many devoted friends worldwide.  Following Don's death and in retirement James continued to travel visiting old friends and finding new ones wherever he went. He was a favorite son of the Cunard Line, making multiple crossings between the seven continents. James also made many trips to Canterbury and Oxford, England, and cherished learning about the history of the Anglican Church. He especially loved the Canterbury Cathedral and its historical significance.

James is survived by his brother, Thomas (wife Terri) Shannon of Phoenixville; nephew Charles Shannon (partner Nestor Jaime Rocha), nieces Deborah Shannon (husband Scott Cooney), Stephanie Shannon, and Joellen (husband Justin) Corrocher.  Don's brother Henry (wife Nena) Hartz, Marilyn deceased (husband Ellis Simon), nieces Marsha (husband Mel) Keller, Karen Hartz, Leigh Ann (husband Michael) Dunleavey and nephew Donald Simon.  James had many great nieces and nephews and friends who became family.

Relatives and friends are invited to a funeral service on Saturday, June 8th, 2:00PM at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 313 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to St Peter's Church, 313 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. The service will also be live streamed on the St. Peter's YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/stpetersphila .

Funeral arrangements entrusted to The Oliver H. Bair Co.  (610) 449-8585