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James Shook Missing Person Case

Last seen in Lincoln City, Oregon on May 13, 2015

Victim Details

Apr 18, 2016

Jan 12, 2024

James

Shook

60

49

68 inches

235 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

May 13, 2015

Lincoln City

Oregon

Lincoln County

No

24761

Oregon State Police

Tillamook

Oregon

,

SP15-149477

Oregon State Police

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

Oct 13, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP33377) and 7 other sources
In the spring of 2015, a sense of unease settled over the central Oregon coast with the disappearance of 49-year-old James Franklin Shook. A resident of Sheridan who divided his time working in the coastal town of Depoe Bay, James was last seen in Lincoln City on May 13, 2015. His sudden absence was a cause for immediate concern among those who knew him, as it was uncharacteristic for him to be out of touch. The days that followed his last sighting were filled with a growing sense of dread as friends and family awaited any news of his whereabouts.

The investigation into James's disappearance began to take a more definite shape when his vehicle, a 1999 Chevrolet Venture van, was discovered abandoned on May 19, 2015. The van was located at Cape Lookout State Park, a scenic but rugged area south of Tillamook, known for its dense forests and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The discovery of his empty vehicle in such a remote location, miles from where he was last seen, only deepened the mystery surrounding his case. Search and rescue teams were deployed to the area, combing the park and the nearby beaches for any sign of the missing man.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement and search teams, the case of James Shook remains unresolved. The Oregon State Police have continued their investigation into his disappearance, but the circumstances surrounding his last known movements and the subsequent discovery of his abandoned van have offered few clues. The official missing person report notes that he has a history of mental illness, a detail that adds a layer of complexity to the case. The search for answers continues, fueled by the hope that one day, the full story of what happened to James Franklin Shook will come to light, bringing closure to a mystery that has lingered on the Oregon coast for years. The case serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring pain of not knowing the fate of a loved one.
Last Seen: May 13, 2015

Links to Additional Sources (7)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP33377
  • Missing Man on Oregon Coast, May 25 - Community Plus
  • Sheridan man still missing - News-Register
  • Sheridan man reported missing after van found at Cape Lookout ...
  • MISSING MAN: Last seen in Lincoln City | News | thenewsguard.com
  • Sheridan man missing in Tillamook County - News-Register
  • James Franklin Shook, 49, Lincoln City, 13 May 2015 - Websleuths

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    77%Possible
    John Doe — Newport, Oregon - unidentified case UP125974
    John Doe — Newport, Oregon
    UP125974 • Found Apr 18, 2024
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 89%Est. 60–75 vs 49 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 97%23 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 9 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'6"–5'11" vs 5'8"

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

    Latest News

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Hey everyone, I recently stumbled across the case of James Franklin Shook, and something about it... ...Read More
    10/22/2024
    Has anyone else noticed how strange it is that James Shook's van was found so far from his usual... ...Read More
    08/29/2024

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