My first year was his as well. He mitigated the fear and terror of this 1L with his empathy, humor and teaching excellence. I dropped in often over the next 40 years, his door always open. He modeled the best of what a lawyer should be. I’d love to hear his oral argument with St Peter: my money’s on Prof Jim
Temple University Beasley School of Law Remembers James A. Shellenberger
Professor, Colleague, Friend, Mentor
The Temple Law community joins the family and friends in mourning his passing on October 1, 2024.
Temple University Beasley School of Law mourns the loss of Professor James A. Shellenberger, who passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Shell was a cherished professor, friend and mentor to many, and his loss will be felt deeply across our community. In his over forty-year career at Temple Law, Shell was tireless in his support for students, while they studied here and long after they graduated. He served in whatever way he was needed, including as Assistant Dean for Students, Director of the Legal Research and Writing Program, and Director of the Academic Success Program, among other leadership roles. He was integral to the development of our bar prep curriculum, and his service on the Administrative Committee, which helps students navigate challenging circumstances, was something he counted among his most important contributions to the law school.
Shell was also a gifted and influential educator. Over the course of his career, Shell was recognized by the University with the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Great Teacher Award, and the Faculty Service Award. The Temple Law Alumni Association also honored him with the Murray H. Shusterman Award for Excellence in Teaching. Here at Temple Law, he was honored with the George P. Williams Award, given by the graduating class to honor the professor who made the most impact on their law school careers, seven times, including this past May.
Shell’s impact on our law school community has been immeasurable, as was his impact on our profession, which this message cannot hope to capture. We invite you to share a message below in memory of Shell and thank you for carrying his memory and legacy forward in all you do.
Services for Professor Shellenberger will be held at Logan-Videon Funeral Home, 2001 Sproul Rd, Broomall, PA 19008 (tele: 610-356-8080). There will be a viewing Friday, October 4 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. An additional viewing will be in the funeral home on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from noon to 1:00pm. Services will follow.
Memories and Messages of Gratitude
Please feel free to share a favorite memory or leave a comment for Professor Shellenberger’s family, colleagues and friends using the form below for it to appear below.
Message From Glenna Hazeltine
Message From marsha
What a heartfelt tribute. Remembering Professor Shellenberger in this way honors not just their legacy, but the impact they had on students, scholarship, and the community. Thank you for preserving their memory so thoughtfully. https://www.marshadenison.com/
Message From Christian Matozzo ’22
I am so sorry to hear that Prof. Shellenberger passed away. He was truly dedicted to teaching his students at Temple Law. Even through the tough times of Zoom classes during COVID, Prof. Shellenberger was always engaging and encouraging durign Criminal Procedure. The bar prep question and answer was also one of the most helpful programs, and looking back it wss a real grace that Prof. Shellenberger was willing to give his time to listen to us ask inane questions about criminal procedure week in and out during an entire summer via Zoom. He helped me pass the bar exam and get through law school, and for that I am forever grateful. I will pray for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace.
Message From Bonnie Greenberg (Class of 1985)
Shell is the reason I graduated law school and got the grades to start my career. I met with him at the start of my 1L Spring semester to get his advice as to how I could do better on exams. He told me what I was doing wrong and it made all the difference. When I was an AUSA I wrote him an email thanking him for making such a difference in my life.
Message From Bob Gerardi
Professor Shellenberger was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was a huge influence on my decision to pursue a career as a prosecutor. And what a great sense of humor and spirit! He managed to convince this Mets fan that not all Phillies supporters were the enemy, especially after seeing the life-size poster of Steve Carlton on the back of his office door. All my gratitude and thoughts and prayers to him and his family.
Message From Christine Piatek
Jim Shellenberger was my Legal Research and Writing instructor my first year of law school in 1980. He was by far the kindest and caring of teachers and made my first year of law school a little less terrifying. I am sad to learn of his passing.
Message From John Brown
Sorry to hear of Shelly’s passing. Have fond memories of playing baseball and basketball with him at Solebury School. A good man indeed!
Message From Michael Goodman
I graduated in the class of 1989. For those who remember, our school was, at the time, going through a crisis as to our leadership. Professor Shellenberger was placed in charge in the interim, under less than favorable circumstances. He handled the situation masterfully and made me realize that Temple Law School was still very much a place to be proud of, no matter what was happening. He truly was and has been a personal hero and inspiration. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Message From Zachary Johnson
Shell’s crim pro class got me interested in criminal practice. He was also a great communicator and genuinely cared about his students. Just a wonderful guy.
Message From Melissa Lennon
We will always miss you Shell! You were Temple Law in so many ways — care for students, care for the institution and care for colleagues. It is hard to imagine the school, and our legal community, without you. Rest in peace.
To make a tribute gift in honor of Professor Shellenberger’s legacy, please click here. Please indicate that your gift is in Professor Shellenberger’s honor.