John J. O’Shea, a retired librarian at Augusta University, died Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in Augusta, Ga. , after a brief illness. He was 68.
O’Shea was associated with Augusta University’s Reese Library for 35 years, including roles of student assistant, cataloger, serials librarian, and special collections librarian. He retired as special collections librarian in 2012. He was a devoted member of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church in Augusta.
John James O’Shea was born Feb. 8, 1951 in Knoxville, Tenn. He was raised in Chamblee, Ga.
, moving to Augusta during college. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Lois O’Shea, and two brothers, Kevin and Tim. He is survived by sisters Theresa O’Shea, Helen Tucker (Bill) and Mary O’Shea; brothers Michael and Brian (Bev); and nieces and nephews, Catherine Tucker, Colin Fuller O’Shea, Maggie Perkins and Nick O’Shea.
A memorial Mass will be held Friday, April 5, 2019 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, 1420 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA 30904. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m., in the church narthex. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, www.
svdpgeorgia.org/donate. O’Shea graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta and earned degrees from Augusta University and the University of South Carolina. He earned a Master of Librarianship from the University of South Carolina in 1981.
His undergraduate degree was a double major in French and Elementary Education. After working as a student assistant at Reese Library and then earning his master’s degree, O’Shea became a cataloging librarian and an associate professor in January 1983 and received tenure in June 1990. He became serials librarian in 1993 and special collections librarian in 1999.
At the the library, he taught library instruction classes and provided reference assistance to students, faculty and members of the community. He was known for his knowledge of local history and college history. He enjoyed working with students, especially doing library orientation for new students.
He also was active in the alumni association and served on the Alumni Association Board for many years. In 1987 he was awarded the Alumni Association’s Golden Key Award. He also was active in organizations outside Augusta University, including the Central Savannah River Area Library Association, the Georgia Library Association and the Society of Georgia Archivists.
He compiled an index to Richmond County History for the Richmond County Historical Society and worked with area historical and genealogical organizations. At St. Mary on the Hill Church, he was a member of the choir, a lay communion minister and volunteered in the Soup Kitchen and Food Bank. His lifelong personal interests included reading, watching old movies and musicals, as well as listening to music from Eubie Blake to Wynton Marsalis.
He enjoyed sending notes and cards by mail. He also enjoyed local history and family genealogy. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd.
, Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www. thomaspoteet.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John J. O’Shea please visit our Sympathy Store.
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