Obituary of John Michael Shepherd
John M. (Jack) Shepherd, born October 21, 1925, passed away on March 23, 2024. Jack was the son of Margaret and William Shepherd and attended Clark Mills and Clinton schools. He proudly served as a Navy radio operator during World War II, on the USS Klondike. Jack was an avid basketball player in his younger days, earning the nickname “Pop” for his shot-making skill. In fact, he met the love of his life at a game—Eileen Ford of Paris Hill. They married in 1949 and raised 12 children in Clark Mills. Their house was the center of activity in the neighborhood. Jack shared his love of the Adirondacks with his family. Each year, the Shepherds and Moriartys (Eileen’s sister) would rent camps or embark on a canoe trip in the Adirondacks, a tradition that lives on to this day (minus the homemade tents and dehydrated foods).
Jack worked for the telephone company for more than 36 years, retiring in 1984. In retirement, he took on small electrical jobs (earning a second nickname “Sparky”). He and Eileen also traveled extensively in retirement and loved nothing more than playing cards and spending time with family, especially the grandchildren. (He taught them all Golden Crimson Tulips, which they have since taught their own children.)
Jack was preceded in death by an infant son, as well as sons, Jim and Tom, and siblings Marie, Jane, Ralph, Nash, Leo, and Bob. Jack is survived by wife Eileen, sister Gert Flint and children Bill (Karen), John (Becky), Rebecca (Dick), Bob (Carla), Larry (Karen), Theresa (Wayne), Missy (Mark), Patrick (Linda, deceased), Louis, and Lynn (Connie), 20 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Jack was a patriotic servant to his community. An active member of the Clark Mills American Legion for more than 75 years, he served as treasurer for 25 years. He was a charter member of the Clark Mills Volunteer Fire Department, holding several offices over the years, including commissioner, which he gave up only when he moved to Kirkland. Jack was a staunch advocate for wholesome activities for the neighborhood, serving as a Boy Scouts leader. He was instrumental in creating ball fields in town and getting a branch of the Kirkland Public Library installed in Clark Mills Elementary School. He also distributed food for the Salvation Army and served as president of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, continuing his volunteer work into his late 80s.
Jack and Eileen moved from Kirkland to Sunset Woods in New Hartford in 2015. He really enjoyed the carefree lifestyle there—as well as the music entertainment and, of course, all the card playing.
The family would like to thank Live Long at Home caregivers, the Veterans Administration, and hospice nurses for all of their support during Jack’s last months.
Calling hours will be held at Owens-Pavlot &Rogers Funeral Service in Clinton on Tuesday, March 26, from 4 to 7
pm. Funeral mass will be held at the Church of the Annunciation in Clark Mills (where Jack was an altar boy and sang in the choir) on Wednesday, March 27, at 11 am. Reception to follow at the American Legion in Clark Mills. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Clark Mills Fire Department or American Legion Post #26.