It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of James “David” Shaw on September 14th, 2026, at the age of 76.
Born January 4th, 1950, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to James A and Adeline Batcheldor Shaw, David was a strong willed, intelligent, and caring young man. He graduated from C.E.Byrd High School as a Merit Scholar, later earning a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern State University-where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
After a brief year teaching upon graduation, David entered the aerosol industry as a young chemist at Aeropres Corporation in Shreveport. There he was able to show off his skillset and move up to Technical Director. After a few years in the industry, he joined Trio Energy Company as Technical Director where he helped launch a line of aerosol propellants. It did not take long for David to become a prestigious member of the aerosol industry. Following the sale of Trio, David moved to Chicago where his talents truly showed as Vice President of Manufacturing at Claire Sprayway. When the opportunity arose, he was able to move back to his hometown of Shreveport as a special advisor and consultant for Diversified CPC. During his many years at Diversified, David was promoted to Director of Specialized Products and was instrumental in the development of several new product lines. Diversified’s development in refrigerants, blowing agents, and specialty gases can be attributed to the brilliant work and mind of David. His passion for this industry was clearly shown in his dedication to the production of products and the joy he had sharing his expertise with others at events such as SATA and NAA conferences where he was often a keynote speaker. Even in retirement, he remained a consultant in the field with Unistar Chemical Solutions. Throughout his 50+ year career in the aerosol industry, David was a highly respected leader and was one of the industry’s leading scientists and technical experts.
David held many titles in his life; professionally, as seen above and personally, as son, brother, “Uncle”, husband, and his proudest “Daddy”. Being the father of his twin girls was his biggest accomplishment in life. Being able to see his daughters grow up and thrive into adulthood was an added bonus.
David enjoyed many things in life, many falling under the common theme of the great outdoors. Whether he was playing a round of golf or on a hunting trip, he wanted to be out and about. One of his favorite activities was anything to do with watersports. On countless trips to Arkansas, all family and friends alike ended up behind the boat on a tube or a pair of water skis. It was a passion that David loved to pass on to any and everyone who joined the crew. When it was time to go from the great outdoors to the great indoors, David donned his purple and gold to cheer on LSU. “Geaux Tigers” followed by the fight song often filled the air Saturdays in the Shaw Household. A Tigers win topped with something chocolate was the definition of a great night. Most importantly, David enjoyed any chance he could get with “his girls”, Lynn, Catherine, and Nicole.
David is preceded in death by his parents, James and Adeline, and his sister, Margaret. Left to carry on his “mark” are his wife of 37 years, Lynn Harbour Shaw; daughters, Catherine Shaw Hammond and husband Nick, Nicole Shaw Lafitte and husband Trent; honorary son-nephew John “Jackson” Shaw; grandson, Bennett Lafitte; his brother Bill Shaw and wife Kay; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of David’s life will be held Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104. Visitation will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm with a brief service afterwards. A private interment will be held for family at Forest Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana (285 Mt. Zion Road, Shreveport, LA 71106) in David’s honor.