Obituary

John “Jack” Sheppard
12/6/1928 – 1/9/2024

Born in Mt Pleasant Michigan, Jack was one of seven siblings, four brothers and two sisters. His love of sports was evident in his early years where he played football with his brothers as one of the “Shep boys” in high school and at Central Michigan University. One of our great final memories was cheering on Michigan as they won the National Championship.

He was beloved by his grandchildren and his great- grandchildren who dubbed him Grandpa Jack, Jack. He was always ready to help “the kids” out in any way he could, from help with college tuition to airplane tickets to fly out to see him. He was also one of the favorite Uncles of his many nieces and nephews due to his kidding sense of humor. He loved to play “I got your nose” or show off his flipper tooth from an old football injury.

With his striking good looks and crystal blue eyes, he was told he should go to Hollywood to find fame. He didn’t get discovered but it was a good thing he went there as that’s where he met the love of his life, Mary Lou, whom he married in Hollywood in 1956. They remained married for 67 years which produced his three children, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He served his country in the Korean war and continued working for the government as an auditor which had him move around the country for assignment. The family moved from Woodstock, to Phoenix, to Santa Monica to name a few. They eventually settled in Southern California where he and Mary Lou lived in the same house for 57 years.

His career included early computer programming where he would have to decode zeros and ones to make things work. He had a sharp mind that remained with him until the end. He would do the paper’s daily crossword puzzle up until his last days. He could remember dates and names of his extensive family and correct the rest of us when we messed up. Dad referred to himself as the Good Sheppard even as he told his fib about being a girl scout as a child or telling an off color joke.

He would want to be remembered with smiles and stories of his antics and I’m sure he’d love this verse as it’s from John in the Bible!

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do
not give to you as the world gives. Do not let
your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27