Mr. James Rufus Shaw passed away peacefully at the age of 91. Born on March 4, 1934 in Wake County, North Carolina. Rufus began his childhood in Robbins and was raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, by his parents, James and Carrie Shaw.

A graduate of Dudley High School, Class of 1952. Rufus went on to work for the City Of Greensboro in the sanitation department. He was part of the sanitation worker's strikes that led to improved wages and benefits for city employees.

Rufus was known for his love of music. A talented “tenor man” he performed with the Five Diamonds, a Rock ‘n’ Roll Group, and the Gospel Skylarks, a group dedicated to spiritual music. His passion for singing was a lifelong joy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janie Ruth Shaw, and his children, Walter Sanders and Cora Sanders-Jones, and his sisters Louise Eyler, Pearl Hubbard, and brothers Harvey and Bill Wooten.

Rufus is survived by his children: Michael R. Shaw (Jennifer), Shella Sanders (Ron), Deborah Broadnax, Pamela Fennell(William), and Jamie Stout-Campbell(Hollis), sisters Shirley Shepard and Dorothy Wooten.

He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and stray cats.

Rufus will be remembered by his nickname “Tack” as well as his style of dress, hats, pipe, cigars, and cars.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 12pm Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home 909 East Market Street Greensboro,North Carolina. Visitation 11:30am.

Burial will follow at New Zion Church Cemetery 1209 Smyrna Church Road Robbins, North Carolina.