Mr. James Richard "Dick" Shook, age 80, of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, departed this life on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Highlands Senior Living in Norcross, Georgia.

James was born on May 19, 1945, in Catoosa County, Georgia, to the late Charles and Clara Chadwich Shook. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife and best friend of over 55 years, Ruby Kate Shook; his son, Tommie Phillips; brothers, William Shook and Charles Shook, Jr.; and sisters, William Blackwell and Marcia Treece.

James was a man who believed deeply in hard work, strong morals, and loving one's family. Above all else, he cherished spending time making memories with those he loved. His greatest joy came from the time he shared with his grandchildren, who were the light of his life. James also loved his country and proudly served in the United States Air Force.

He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, James Charles and Yulma Phillips of Dalton, Georgia, Michael Scott Phillips of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, and Gerald Ray Shook of Ringgold, Georgia; his sister, Patsy Babb of Dalton, Georgia; grandchildren, Brittany Nicole Manis, Michelle Phillips, Eric Phillips, Destiny Phillips, Robert Shook, Nick Shook, and Linda Cervantes; great-grandchildren, Carson Manis and Colton Phillips; as well as several other great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. James Richard Shook will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with Reverend Regina Wilhelm officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Sundial Columbarium at Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour.

James will be remembered for his love, strength, and indomitable spirit, and he will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate to know him.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721. For more information, please visit www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org.