James C. Shields, a former resident of Great Neck, Hampton Bays and Southold, died on May 17 at Peconic Landing in Greenport. He was 91.
Born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, he was a graduate of Northeastern University. He worked as a sound engineer for the development of Cinerama and the Waller Gunnery Trainers used during World War II by the U.S. Army Air Corps and the British Royal Navy. Mr. Shields was also a sound director for early television productions and a number of motion pictures, including “On the Waterfront.”
He served as a volunteer fireman for Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department and was a member of Masonic Paumonok Temple and an avid bayman, gardener and fisherman.
In addition to his wife of 78 years, Kathryn MacKay Shields, he is survived by three daughters, Eleanor Anderson of Maryland, Dorothy Gilliar of Virginia, and Marion Maino of Southold; 11 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
The family received friends on Monday, May 19, at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Interment at Good Ground Cemetery in Hampton Bays was private.
Memorial donations to the Greenport Fire Department Rescue Squad would be appreciated by the family.
on May 20, 2008