James Shea Sr. was police officer, veteran

DOWNEY - James Justin Shea Sr., a former police officer, attorney and veteran of World War II, died Sept. 3 in Downey.One of nine children, he is survived by a sister, Gloria; three children, James Justin Shea Jr., C. Colleen Baylis and M. Maureen Shea-Fuszard; and seven grandchildren. He was born Sept. 26, 1923 in Los Angeles to the large Irish family of John C. Shea and Agnes E. Shea. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps at El Toro during the Second World War. After the war, he served as a police officer in Los Angeles' vice and juvenile divisions from 1947-57. After graduating from Southwestern University School of Law, Shea spent many years as a prosecuting attorney and later as the Head Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County until his retirement in 1981. Outside his career, he was active in community fundraising for local charities and politicians, and was active in Boy Scouts of America. Funeral services were held Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey. Interment with military honors took place at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

********** Published: September 9, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 21