Jamie's sister Debbie posted the above on Facebook.
You may go to the Facebook group "Irving High School-In Memoriam" to view posts or leave comments on our website below.
Janie Shuey (Jamie Bunch Elliott Shuey) 75, of Fairview TX and Angel Fire, NM passed away peacefully and fearlessly on April 15, 2026.
Born December 8, 1950 in Oklahoma City, at Tinker AFB Hospital, the 2nd of 5 children born to MSgt John and Bonnie (Sue) Bunch. Her father’s career in the Air Force took Janie to Colorado, California, Oklahoma and Texas.
After graduating with the Class of ’69 from Irving High School (Irving TX), Janie attended Stephen F Austin College in Nacogdoches, TX. She left SFA for bluer skies (literally) to join Braniff Airlines in 1971. Her time with Braniff created many lifetime friendships with her fellow flight attendants. Shortly after Braniff declared bankruptcy in 1984, Janie found entrance into the world of motion pictures as a stuntperson and modeling. She appeared in print ads, TV commercials, TV series and movies. She doubled in movies such as D.O.A., Problem Child, Free Willy, and Robocop. To say her life was colorful is an understatement. She was generous with her time and talents, volunteering with the Salvation Army. She was an inspiration to many, always willing to help and coach others to enjoy the sports she loved.
As an athlete with a competitive spirit, she competed from Junior High through High School and well beyond. There was no challenge she wouldn’t face head on. When circumstances left her a single mother with 3 children to support, she spent her evenings making angel pins and wooden crosses to sell on weekends at craft shows, while at the same time encouraging and pushing all 3 sons to become Eagle Scouts.
When diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma, she met it like other challenges – head on. After her first major surgery, that removed 4 ribs, she continued to play golf and pickleball after only 3 months. A second surgery on her spine left her legs partially paralyzed, but her determination and hard work to walk again allowed her to do so with the help of a cane. Unable to play her beloved pickleball standing, she acquired a sports wheelchair and began playing with a group of dedicated Para Pickleball players. At the same time, she continued teaching standing beginners the rules and techniques of the game. She adopted the slogan,
“WHERE THERE’S A WHEEL, THERE’S A WAY”
Of everything she did and accomplished, her legacy of co-founding a non-profit for Para Pickleball Players and promoting awareness and the importance of early detection with the Chondrosarcoma CS Foundation (SmashingSarcoma.org) were among her proudest. As an Ambassador for USA Pickleball, Chicken N Pickle, and PaddleTek she used her platform to encourage and raise funds for inclusiveness in the sport.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Bonnie Bunch; her brother-in-law, Tom Watts; nephew, Ryan Redoble; great nephew, Tommy Watts III. She left behind her husband, Robert (Bob) Shuey of Fairview TX and Angel Fire NM; her sons, Sadler (wife Heidi and granddaughters Harper, Hazen and Hattie) Aubrey and Asa; stepson, Rob (wife Joann and their children Braden and Kendall); stepdaughter, Debbie (her son Garrett); siblings Caroll Jo, Sandi, Debbie, and James; Aunt Shirley and a wealth of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cheryl Crowley (Jensen)
I was not fortunate enough to know Jamie in high school; we met many years later at a Pickleball tournament. As things turned out, it was her last before she began her many operations and treatments, but one thing was clear. Jamie came to win - more importantly to laugh and have FUN. She and her partner won GOLD that day. Her next wins would be in Barney, her chair as she championed parapickleball. Last fall she visited us at Robson Ranch as we held a fundraiser for her favorite foundation. Many of the players who came to see her that night were old friends from the days when they were all competing at high levels in tournaments. For some it was a first meeting and they all walked away that night amazed at her positive attitude, sense of humor, and smile. I had no idea that would be the last time I saw her. She will be missed by so many because wherever she went or was, she was spreading sunshine and kindness. To say she was unique, doesn't come close to the beautiful woman that she was. The world needs more like her.