OBITUARY John E. Shaw Jr. September 22, 1931 – November 29, 2018 John E. Shaw, Jr., of Scituate, passed away on November 29, 2018 after a long illness. Born to John E. Shaw and Hortense (Wilder) Shaw in September of 1931, Jack, as he was known, was raised in Weymouth, MA . After graduating from Weymouth High School Jack worked in the Fore River Shipyard, following in his father’s footsteps.
During the Korean War, Jack joined the Marine Corps and served on the USS Bennington and the USS Coral Sea. After his military service, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Boston University. He was employed in the manufacturing industry, working in management at Armstrong Cork, Gillette Corporation and Union Gear & Sprocket.
Jack was a devoted father to his daughters Janet and Karen. He coached their basketball and softball teams and modeled for them integrity and a strong work ethic. Jack was a life-long H-O scale model railroader.
He built and rebuilt several layouts, using his knowledge and amazing electrical and carpentry skills to design buildings, cities and landscapes. His children, grandchildren, great nieces and nephew, as well as many other children who were fortunate enough to know Jack, spent many hours running the trains under Jack’s patient direction. His wife, Kay, a gifted artist, contributed magnificent scenery to the layout throughout their years together.
Jack would say “Model railroading is not a hobby, it is a way of life”. A member of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Scituate, Jack was well known for his kindness, wonderful sense of humor and willingness to help in any way he could. He was Head Usher at all services for many years and acted as ton at First Parish, performing all functions for weddings, funerals and many other events.
He started a handyman business after retiring, and would tackle any project, large or small, with skill, an artist’s eye, and attention to detail. Jack was a gentleman at all times, a man of his word, and a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He never arrived anywhere empty handed and especially enjoyed bringing munchkins and balsa wood gliders to his grandchildren, who also delighted in his magic tricks.
Jack is predeceased by his parents, his sister Lois (Shaw)Finn, and his first wife Barbara (Wholey) Shaw. He is survived by his wife Kay (Christie) Shaw, daughters Janet (Shaw) Keyes and her husband Chris, Karen (Shaw) Quint and her husband David, and his two step-daughters, Carolyn Russ and husband Ted McKie, and Kathryn Russ. Jack is also survived by eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three nieces, and several great-nieces and a great-nephew.
The family is thankful to the Hospice of the South Shore and Visiting Angels of Marshfield for their loving care of Jack during his last days. Their help, knowledge and kindness were invaluable. Services will be held on Saturday December 15, 2018 at 1 PM at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Scituate, MA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of the South Shore.
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