James (Jim) Edward Shauberger, 77, of Smith Mountain Lake, VA passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024. He was born December 27, 1946 in Erie, PA to the late Edward Casper and Mary Yochim Shauberger. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Katherine “Kay” Cornelius Shauberger, of 52 years; his sons, Edward Graham Shauberger of Hardy, VA and Steven Jeffrey Shauberger (Keri) of Anacortes, WA; grandchildren, Eli James Shauberger and Colby Quinn Shauberger of Anacortes, WA. He is also survived by sisters, Sally Stafford (Dwight) of Oklahoma City, OK and Nancy Reed of Jones, OK; brother, David M. Shauberger (Candace) of Norman, OK; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving Jim is treasured friend, Christopher Tice (Becca) of Nashville, TN, who he considered his third son. Though born in Erie, PA his family moved frequently due to his father’s job with General Electric. He entered Bishop Miege High School in Kansas City, KS and while there his photographic career began shooting high school sports. His family moved to Norman, OK during his sophomore year and he continued working as a photographer for the Norman Transcript and the Oklahoma Daily newspapers. After high school, he enrolled in the University of Oklahoma studying Math and Marketing. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. During his undergraduate studies, he worked as a photographer for the Associated Press, Chief photographer for the Oklahoma Daily and started his own commercial photography business. His sophomore year he enrolled in the Navy ROTC program. Upon graduation, as a “Distinguished Naval graduate”, he was commissioned Ensign U.S. Navy and reported immediately as an Unrestricted Line Officer to the fleet. He served on USS Davidson (DE/FF 1045), USS Albert David (DE/FF 1050) and USS Chilton (LPA 38). His billets were First Lieutenant, Gunnery Officer, Navigator, Assistant Engineer, and Chief Engineer. Jim joined the Navy to see the world and did with tours in Vietnam, the Pacific, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean / South America. He loved being at sea, driving ships, and visiting ports all over the world. As Navigator, he loved the stars at sea and did several Pacific transits with just celestial navigation. While stationed in Norfolk, VA, he met his future wife, Kay and they were married in July 1972. After active duty, they moved to Norman, OK for graduate school and he taught Photography and Photojournalism at the University of Oklahoma. Upon receiving his MBA in Finance, Jim worked as an Account Executive and Photographer for Alderman Studios in High Point, NC. In 1978, he and several other employees were hired away to start a commercial printing company (Modern Graphic Arts) for the St Petersburg Times in St. Petersburg, FL. In 1981, Jim founded Jim’s Photo Shack, a large retail photographic and optics store. The store catered to serious amateur and professional photographers and was one of the largest astronomy stores in the Southeast selling to individuals and institutions. Jim also taught photography and astronomy to local schools and clubs. After 22 years, the store moved to Smith Mountain Lake, VA in 2002 as “Scopes & Stuff” and liquidated its inventory over three years. In 2002, it was named the “Most Innovative Lake Area Business” by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jim retired for the first time in 2005 only to go back to work for Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2007 as the full time Events Manager. He was responsible for events such as the Annual Wine Festival, the BASS Tournaments, SML Business Expo, Rockin’ Brews & BBQ, and the Chili festival. He retired again at age 67 and lasted 6 months before accepting the role of Inn Manager for Halesford Harbour Inn. Within two years the inn was a consistent 5 star reviewed Trip Advisor gold property. Jim finally really retired at age 72 from full time work to enjoy life and Smith Mountain Lake. Jim was an Eagle Scout and continued as a BSA Merit Badge Counselor for 40 years. He also taught photography and astronomy in schools, libraries, and clubs all his life. His hobbies were photography, astronomy, fishing, hunting, sailing and skiing. Jim was an active member of Trinity Ecumenical Parish where he served as a Presbyterian Elder and as Parish Council President. During Covid, he served on the “Stream Team”, providing an online ministry at TEP. He still ran cameras during TEP services and events until the end of 2023. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Trinity Ecumenical Parish on April 27, at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Dr, Moneta, VA 24121. Jim never met a stranger and his greeting was always, “Hi – I am Jim and welcome!” Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.