Dec 28

Dec 28 Salute: Former military couple says comradery is key

From firing missiles to critical care, James and Michelle Shores have dedicated their lives to serving others. Their commitment to family and friends is inspiring in a way that had a friend and family member nominate them for a local salute.

James served in the United States Marine Corps, and he took part in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Restore Hope (Somalia). After leaving the military, Commissioner Shores entered into law enforcement. He has been a law enforcement officer for over 26 years. Armed with an associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Stanly Community College, he is currently a patrol supervisor with the Thomasville Police Department.

Additionally, Shores serves the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police State 2nd Vice President and the President of the Davidson County FOP Lodge 97. He is an active member of both the Thomasville Masonic Lodge #214 and Madison Heights Freewill Baptist Church.

James met “his match” and married Michelle in August 2019; together, they have four children, Zack Shores, Jasmine Shores, Joshua Elliott and Shelby Elliott.

Michelle is a veteran of the US Navy and served aboard the USS Stump DD 978 (Spruance-class destroyer). She was a Fire Controlman 2nd Class (E5) before serving as a nurse manager for Novant Critical Care Transport. Along with a host of impressive accomplishments, Michelle recently earned an MBA and MHA. She said nursing became her passion after working in emergency care in Columbus, Ohio. “I wanted to do more people and do more for people,” Michelle offered.

An early photo of US Navy and served aboard the USS Stump DD 978. {Contributed Photo}

An early photo James served in the United States Marine Corps, and he took part in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Restore Hope (Somalia). {Contributed Photo}

The duo first met innocently during the call of duty at a local hospital. Like any couple, their versions vary but both recall a hug exchanged in the corridors of the hospital. “Her coworker asked for a hug,” James recalls. “And Michelle said, ‘Where’s my hug?’” The rest is what the couple describes as a love story between best friends.

The couple bonds over faith, family and fast cars. Michelle says she went from “jacked-up Jeeps” to being a Dodge family. Nowadays, she drives a custom 2020 “Purple Hell Raisin” colored Challenger. She loves to drive so much that the couple maintains a running military joke that the Navy (Michelle) is still driving the Marines (James). “Yes, I continue driving him around,” Michelle said in jest.

They found their way to each other, and both remarked as to missing the fellowship of the military.

“I miss the comradery,” said James. “I don’t think you get that much in today’s world. Leaving no man behind Marine Corps wise. We are not going to leave anybody behind. We always bring back our dead with us. We leave nobody behind.”

With a tearful tone, James shared a heartfelt story about a fallen soldier “he remembers every day.”

Both James and Michelle carry their service to daily work as well as surprising meals for soldiers at local veterans’ restaurants.

James concluded, “I wish the American people could understand what it is to be a veteran, to put your life on the line for them. Nobody understands. Nobody respects what the veterans understand.”