With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Col. Jim Shearin, who passed away at 11:00pm, June 19, 2010, after a long illness.

Col. Shearin served his beloved country for a total of 40 years of combined active service and duty in National Guard components. He retired as a full Colonel, commanding a regiment of some 3,000 soldiers. His military career was long and colorful.

In 1996, Col. Shearin joined the staff of Rangemaster full time as an instructor. He took every class in Rangemaster's curriculum, and also attended training under John Farnam, Ken Hackathorn, Chuck Taylor, and other notables, as well as training at Gunsite under Jeff Cooper himself. Jim was certified as an instructor by Rangemaster, the Tennessee Department of Safety, and the NRA. The Colonel's specialty was bringing out excellence in students via one on one coaching, and he was also a mentor to many of our newer staff instructors. He worked as an armorer on 1911 and Glock handguns, and shared with us all the wealth of firearms knowledge accumulated over a shooting career spanning six decades.

An avid IDPA shooter and supporter, Jim worked as an RO in all of the IDPA National Championships over a ten year period. He was also involved in the administration of the annual Tactical Conferences.

The Colonel died peacefully in his sleep at Baptist Hospital, surrounded by his family and friends, who loved him dearly. He will be sorely missed.