James E. Shea (January 22, 1922 - April 2, 2007) was a World War II veteran, Deadwood businessman, local tourism promoter, civic leader and philanthropist.  Born on January 22, 1922 in Buhl, Idaho, Shea’s parent’s relocated to Deadwood at an early age.  James attended St. Ambrose Catholic School and graduated from Deadwood High School in 1940.  In 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Corp and served in the Pacific Campaign as a pilot until the end of the war.  Following the war, James returned to Deadwood and helped organize Deadwood VFW Post 5969.  Shea was employed at Porter Lumber for fifteen years.  In 1960 Shea and his wife Lillian incorporated Shea, Inc. a hardware and millworks business located in the former Porter Lumber that he operated until 1997.  During this time Shea and his wife Lillian owned and operated the Ghosts of Deadwood Wax Museum and the theatrical production, “The Trial of Jack McCall”.
In the public and civic arena, Shea was involved in numerous community groups including the Junior Chamber of Commerce and Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Toastmasters, and he held appointed positons on the St. Joseph’s Hospital Board, and the Adams Museum Board of Directors.  In 1968 Shea was elected Mayor of Deadwood and held this potion until 1970.  In 1999 the James E. and Lillian E. Shea Charitable Trust was established to benefit residents of Lawrence County who have medical or catastrophic needs.  After a brief illness Shea died on April 2, 2007 and was buried at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.