What does it mean to you to be part of the fantastic Olympic legacy of your family?
"I just feel very lucky to be able to represent the United States . It's a wonderful country that I'm very proud of-proud of the way we act, proud of what we do. I'm also very proud of my family and their accomplishments. I am very blessed to be part of this family. To be able to fulfill this circle is a great feeling of accomplishment."

Jim What was your most memorable moment at the Olympics?
"The Opening Ceremonies and carrying the torch was great. Being selected by the athletes to read the Olympic Oath was a tremendous honor. But to be able to represent my country in my country, win the gold medal and step on the podium to receive it with everyone excited and cheering for me, that was amazing."

What are some of the most important lessons you learned from your father and your grandfather? "From my Grandfather, I learned to be persistent, and to have real desire. Also, to remember that at the end of the day, it's not about the medals you win. You can't celebrate the medals if you don't have someone to celebrate with-the friendships are so much more important. From my father, I learned hard work and determination. You have to keep at it. The more you keep going, the more chances you have to succeed."

As a kid growing up with a learning disability, sports was the one thing that made me gain confidence-to go out into the world and make good decisions, to have a belief deep down in myself. Sports can give that to kids. There is so much technology out there (video games and television) that kids have lost the appeal of athletics-sport can be so important in giving kids skills and confidence to attack life with a better attitude. I know the Shea Family Foundation is going to be able to deliver that to kids-I've seen that already, and I'm really excited about it. The lessons I learned from my coaches and family always kept me going through the trials in my life. In sports a lot of times, you have to overcome adversity, to meet challenges head on and attain goals. Those lessons helped me succeed on the track, and in life. I want to be able to pass on that message to kids today."

The Shea family represents the first three-generation family to compete in the Winter Olympic Games.  Jack Shea competed in the 1932 Winter Olympics, where he won two gold medals in the 1500 and 500 meter Speed Skating events. Jim Shea, Sr. competed in Nordic combined and Cross Country Skiing during the 1964 Winter Olympics. In the 2002 Winter Olympics, Jim Shea, Jr. won the gold medal in Skeleton, a reintroduced Olympic event.

This family personifies the Olympic ideals of perseverance, dedication, sportsmanship and dignity. The Shea's commitment to athletic excellence has been an inspiration to the Olympic community for three generations. Now, the Shea's want to carry on their Olympic legacy by providing athlete scholarships, education, publicity, and equipment to provide opportunities for today's youth to participate in speed skating, ski-jumping and skeleton.  

Three Generations:
Shea Family bronze statue of Jack, Jim, and Jimmy Shea
Zions Bank has honored Jack, Jim Sr, and Jimmy Shea with a 3/4 life size bronze statue inside their Newpark branch in Kimball Junction, Park City, Utah.

Scott Anderson, CEO of Zions Bank made the decision to immortalize the first three generations of the of the Winter Olympics Shea family.

At the unveiling in January 2005, Scott Anderson said "the statue represents the values that made America great, and which were passed from generation to generation in the Shea family. On behalf of all of us, thank you."

A guest book is by the statue honoring the Shea legacy where people are encouraged to sign their names and give their thoughts. The Shea family is deeply honored by this tribute.