James J. Shanni
1943-2013

Born in New Jersey, James J. Shanni worked in the New York City News Building for United Press International (UPI), as the Assistant New York Bureau Chief and covered the assassination of John F. Kennedy and later the 1964 Democratic Convention.

James was on assignment in the convention hall the day the president’s brother gave a sad but electrifying speech to the delegates. He has had numerous news pictures published in major newspapers, several on the front page of the New York Journal American, the Jersey Journal, Chicago Daily News, and the New York World Telegram. He has always carried a passion to expose those who killed the president and knows the whole story has never been made public.

Growing up in Jersey City during the 1940s and 1950s, the second generation of Italian immigrants, James was the son of James V. and Mary DeSilvio Shanni. He attended St. Aedan’s Catholic School, St. Mary’s High School and St. Peter’s College.

In 1974, Jim moved his family to Atlanta, Georgia, and started a pool liner manufacturing company, Factory Direct Liners, Inc., in Chamblee, Georgia which his wife, Evelyn Gilliam Shanni, still owns and operates. Shanni was married to his high school sweetheart for forty-nine years and has three adult children and nine grandchildren.

Jim’s first book, Four More Years, is the story of a president that survives an assassination and then seeks revenge.

James’ last publication was Coup d’Etat, a novel about what happens after an assassination attempt on a president.

James J. Shanni passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Mercy Foundation, 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Sandy Springs, GA 30342.