James Michael Qualkenbush

James Michael “Mike” Qualkenbush, 76, of Shoals, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at his residence with his family by his side.

Born May 23, 1949, in Washington, Indiana, he was the son of James R. And Wilma (Sorrells) Qualkenbush.

Mike was a graduate of Shoals High School with the class of 1969.

He was drafted into the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971, spending all of 1970 in Vietnam driving a tank. He received a Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Man Badge, and a Good Conduct Medal. During his time at Vietnam, his whole platoon was lost in the jungle for over a month before being found. Mike took great pride leading his platoon members back to safety and making sure they were fed by hunting down a wild hog after eating green bananas daily for much of the month. Upon returning stateside, he served as a Drill Sargent at Fort Knox, Kentucky for the last year of his service.

He married his middle school and high school sweetheart, Deborah “Debbie” Bauer on May 29, 1971, and she survives.

Mike worked at NSWC Crane as an ammunition technician for over 35 years, retiring in 2004.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, building, being outdoors, and spending time with his grandkids. Mike always wanted everything to be organized and neat. He was a very nurturing father and grandfather.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Debbie; children, Karen (Dewey) Baker, Kevin Qualkenbush, and Kellie (Chad) Shaw; Grandchildren, Chelsey Baker, Kody Neukam, Michael “Cain” Baker, Chloe Qualkenbush, Carson, Kenley, and Kyra Shaw, and Faith Qualkenbush; Brothers, Charles “Brad” Qualkenbush and William “Shawn” Qualkenbush; Aunt, Marilyn Hardwick; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Sister, Sherry Emmick; and Brother, David Qualkenbush.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Queen-Lee Chapel of George Funeral Care with Pastor Tim Fleece and Hospice Chaplain, Cindy Lagle officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until the service hour on Tuesday at the Queen-Lee Chapel, Shoals.

Pallbearers will be Brad Qualkenbush, Shawn Qualkenbush, Cain Baker, Carson Shaw, Phil Hardwick, and Thomas Lake. Honorary Pallbearers will be Chelsey Baker, Chloe Qualkenbush, Kenley Shaw, and Kyra Shaw.