John D. “Jack” Shoemaker

On September 21, 2020, John D. “Jack” Shoemaker passed away from this life to await The Lord’s final judgment. Jack was the only son of G.D. and Leola M. Shoemaker, born on January 11, 1941, in Centralia, Illinois, where his father was employed. When he was three years old, the family moved to Freeport Illinois, where he spent his childhood years. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1959.

 

On April 30, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Jean Lee, and they made their first home in Freeport, Illinois. To this union seven children were born, Marie, Jon, James, Laura, Jay, Jeffrey, and Jaclyn.

 

After short periods of time living in Galesburg, Illinois, and Keokuk, Iowa, the family moved to Mountain View, Missouri in 1975. Most of Jack’s work experience was in the industrial or electronic fields. Radio Shack and television/electronic repair, having his own shops in Mountain View at the former Cantrell Furniture Store and at a location across the same street later. He was also elected Municipal Police Judge in the late 1970s, serving in this position until he joined the Mountain View Police Department serving there for several years. 

 

He retired from the electronic repair business in late 1999, due to health problems. His main hobby, which began when he was a teenager, and always remained while he was able, was Amateur Radio. As a “ham” he was able to talk to people all over the world. He helped “prospective hams” take their various license tests, as a qualified Licensed Examiner for a while. To some, the trees in our yard looked like Oaks but to him, they looked like good radio wire mounts! Giving directions to the house wasn’t hard, “just look for the house on Maple Street with all the antennas!” Jack never met a stranger and would start a conversation anywhere he was. He was well-liked and respected by almost everyone. He was a long-time member of the Mountain View Church of Christ and bible class teacher while he was able.

 

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra; children, Marie (Virgil-Buzz) Davis of Harrisonville, MO, Jon (Cheryl) Shoemaker of Mountain View, MO, James (Kathy) Shoemaker of Harrisonville, MO, Laura Askew of Springfield, MO, Jay (Diane) Shoemaker of Belleville, IL, Jaclyn (Heath) Davis of Mountain View, MO; grandchildren, Andrew Davis of Raymore, MO, Erin Davis Shewmaker of Harrisonville, MO, John Shoemaker of Mountain View, MO, Jason Shoemaker of WA, Deena Shoemaker of KS, Jeffrey Shoemaker of US AF, Danielle (Andrew) Haas of Belleville, IL, Hannah Askew of Springfield, MO, Kaleb Davis of Springfield, MO, Lydia Davis of Mountain View, MO, Whitney Shoemaker of MN; great-grandchildren, Sydney and Aiden Davis of Raymore, MO, Jamisyn and Harrison Shewmaker of Harrisonville, MO.

 

Those family members that have gone ahead are his parents; grandparents; aunts; uncles; cousins and his youngest son Jeffrey, which passed away at the age of 17 after a swimming accident in 1992.

 

No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.