NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — James Richard "Weasel" Shepard, 49, of North Adams died Monday, April 4, 2016.

He was born in North Adams on August 2, 1966, a son of William Shepard and the late Linda Carol (Parsons) Murphy. He graduated from Drury High School, where he played football. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was employed at Little's Auto Body Shop. 

He volunteered as a coach for the North Adams Youth Football League.

Survivors include his father of North Adams; three sisters, Roseshawn "Shawnie" Murphy, Shelly Murphy and Dawn Shepard, all of Pittsfield; three brothers, William "Beanie" Shepard of Florida and John Braman and Michael Shepard, both of Adams; his fiancée, Faye Briggs of North Adams; three children and three grandchildren whom he helped raise; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral notice: Funeral services will take place Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at 6 p.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams. 

Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. Memorial donations are suggested in his memory to the funeral home.