James C. Sheppard, M. D.

A biography of retired 87 year-old James C. Sheppard, M. D. Born to a poor tenant farmer below Dothan in south Alabama's Houston County, he excelled academically and earned through his educational journey a medical degree, after which he served a four year stint as a U,. S. Air Force flight surgeon. Following separation from the military, he earned specialist certifications in cardiology and internal medicine. He then practiced in Fort Walton Beach, Florida for 37 years. On his farm near DeFuniak Springs, Florida, he collected and restored to like-new condition over 150 antique John Deere and Caterpillar tractors as a hobby. His collection is possibly the largest of its kind in the world.