On Tuesday morning, October 13, 2009, Jim Shell, Principal Water Resources Planner of the COG staff was killed in a tragic automobile accident in West Virginia.    Jim began his career at COG in April, 1989, and was a major player in assisting the region with water security, emergency water supply and drought response planning, pollution prevention, hydrilla harvesting, wastewater management, Potomac River and Anacostia restoration, and many other accomplishments.  He was a gentle and kind colleague and friend and will be deeply missed.

Jim Shell was born February 16, 1950, in Richmond, the son of James W. Shell, Sr. and Audrey Green Shell. He married Ellen Meadows, June 18, 1977 in Vienna, VA.

Jim is survived by his mother of Suffolk, VA; his wife of thirty-two years, Ellen, of Winchester; one son, Bradley James Shell and his wife Sarah of Savannah, GA; two daughters, Katelyn Shell Geaghan and her husband Mark of Winchester, VA, and Sarah Anne Shell of Charleston, SC; a sister, Linda M. Jennings and her husband Jack of Suffolk, VA. He was preceded in death by his father and granddaughter, Gianna Rose Geaghan.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Academy Tuition Angel, 110 Keating Drive, Winchester, VA 22601