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Johnny Sheffield
Johnny Sheffield
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Johnny Sheffield Obituary
His wife, Patty Sheffield, told the Los Angeles Times that he died Friday of a heart attack at his home in the San Diego suburb of Chula Vista. She says he fell off a ladder while pruning a palm tree four hours earlier.
Johnny Sheffield beat out more than 300 other youngsters for the role of Boy in the 1939 movie "Tarzan Finds a Son!" and went on to co-star with Johnny Wiessmuller in seven more Tarzan films.
He later played another jungle boy, Bomba, in a dozen movies but quit the business after the last one 1955.
Johnny Sheffield went on to earn a business degree and worked for various companies and in contracting and real estate.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
267 Entries
May 18, 2025
Did Johnny once own a surf shop in Hawaii”
Rebekah Naudain
October 17, 2024
I have a photo of Tarzan, but Jane and boy on my wall. Huge fan. Watched the movies as a child with my dad. Special memories. Just found out today, this sad news. Condolences to all his family and friends ❤
Wanda McPherson
January 9, 2021
My condolences to the family. I thoroughly enjoyed watching when I was little.
BARBARA Hubbard
October 24, 2020
ALWAYS LOVED THE TARZAN MOVIES , ALSO LOVED BOMBA .so thanks for all the great memories !
How you can show support
Lisa Kondracki
March 20, 2020
Stu, was just looking to contact you and found your father had passed.
He was always the center of attention, and had his comfy clothes.
Deepest condolences to you, my friend, Stuart, and dear Pat and Regina.
Just hugs
Rather belated
New to me
Hope all of you are doing well.
He never stopped wearing a loincloth well, huh?
Am so sure he's resting in great peace!
He was nothing but his charismatic self, right?
Peace, love and, uhm, yeah, oak chokes.
He will be remembered on so many levels!
MIKE ANTHONY ARENAS
MIKE ANTHONY ARENAS
May 14, 2018
THANKSFOR THE HOURS OF ENTERMENT I SAW REPEATS WHEN I WAS LITTLE BUY I ALWAYS WANTED A FRIEND LIKE BOY,IT HURTS I NEVER GOT TO MEET HIM ,GLAD I DID KNOW BOY
October 15, 2017
May the God of true comfort help you during this time
Michelle Morgan
November 12, 2015
We lived in the house across the street from the house that John had purchased as a rental in Yuma, AZ. He was a very nice man and down to earth. My dad immensely enjoyed their conversations while John was working on the house getting it ready to rent and he always stopped to visit my mom and dad when he was in town to check on his house. We were very sad to learn that he had passed away. We still talk about him to this day with great fondness.
Harry Simpson
October 15, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Donna
March 7, 2014
I'm sorry to that your husband & father passed. I was just watching Tarzan the huntress this morning. when I see an actress or actor I enjoyed in my youth i bing them, & was sad to read this. Bless you &your fmly
Art Wiedinger
January 27, 2013
Sunday Morning just mentioned that all three leads of THE Tarzan movies are gone. Must have seen them all 20 times as child and always fantasized of living as Boy. Looked up Johhny Sheffield and pleased that he seemed to have enjoyed a good and happy life.
Larry Wilson
February 13, 2012
Sad to hear of his passing, still enjoy his movies today.
nancy
July 2, 2011
He was a very big/important part of my childhood and will never be forgotten. God Bless.
William McBroom
June 29, 2011
I am very sad to hear the passing of Johnny. I grew up watching him play boy on Tarzan and the Bomba movies. He was truly a great actor and person.May God Bless the family in their time of loss. Thank you Johnny (Boy) for my many memories. William McBroom (Jackson Tenn.)
Bill Ballerini
June 24, 2011
I just found out that Johnny passed last October; he was only 3 years older than me. I grew up with him as Boy and Bomba. He was a great actor and he complemented Johnny Weissmuller so much, it made the movie that much more enjoyable. He and "Big John" are probably entertaining our Lord and everyone in Heaven. My prayers go out to his family but like I feel, he still lives on in his films. God Bless and keep you.
marte hodges
June 23, 2011
you will never be forgotten,,,thank you for all youre movies... i just watched 2 of them last night...God Bless you and youre family rest in peace friend .......marte..salinas ca.
George Hameetman
June 22, 2011
Johnny, I just saw you in a movie called Bomba the jungle Boy and you were great!! My prayers go out to you and your family.
Marty Boxenhorn
June 18, 2011
Mere words cannot express my condolences on your loss. May God Bless you.
Marty, Hudson, WI
Terry Yates
April 21, 2011
I was saddened by the notice of the death of Johnny Sheffield. As a kid our local theater had Junior Jamboree for kids on Wednesday mornings during the summer. One of my favorite movies were the Bomba movies. I was fortunate a few years ago to hear about Mr. Sheffield's offer of his
pilot TV program on video tape. I emailed him and ordered it. He was a fine gentleman and I will always remember our emails during the transaction. He was kind enough to send me a couple of autographed photographs with the order. I will treasure these always. By the way the pilot should have been picked up. It is far better than a lot of the trash on TV today. I would recommend it to anyone who might have a chance to see it.
My sympathy to the family. I know you will always miss him but always treasure your memories.
David Smith
February 23, 2011
Some of my fondest early memories are of going to the local theatre and watching Tarzan and Bomba movies. I just found out about Mr. Sheffield's demise while looking up the titles of the old Tarzan and Bomba movies to share with my youngest son. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family as Mr. Sheffield in the role of "Bomba" remains one of the more positive memories of my formative years.
J. A.
January 23, 2011
I always loved watching you're movies. May you rest in peace. From all your friends in el paso tx.
Bill Desmond
November 2, 2010
My sincere condolences to all the family. I grew up loving the Tarzan movies and stll have a warm spot in my heart for them- a simpler time perhaps, but adventure, drama, fun and always a happy ending (except for the bad guys). Take heart in knowing that John was and is part of cultural history, and, for me, an important part of that wonderful period in the saga of film entertainment. And a part of my life.
Thanks John.
Dee Keane
October 30, 2010
Deepest sympathy to Johnny's family, your memory lives on. Dee
Janet
October 26, 2010
To the Sheffield Family,
I was so saddened to of your loss. I loved to watch "Boy" on "Tarzan"! He will be missed by many but, the legacy he left behind will go on for generations. May the family find comfort from Isaiah 41:13,"For I, am your God, grasping your right hand, the One saying to you , "Do not be afraid. I myself will help you."
October 25, 2010
To the Sheffield family,
I was sorry to hear of your great loss. As a kid I loved to watch "Tarzan" and enjoyed the relationship he shared with "Boy". He did such a nice acting job, I know he will be greatly missed.
In this difficult time please find comfort from Psalms 34:18-"God is near to those broken at heart..."
The Grant Family
Chaun Mosley
October 25, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
J Bragg
October 25, 2010
An icon of goodness that will endure for eternity.
josemario salinas
October 25, 2010
As a young boy, I shined shoes at a barbershop, the barber would give time to go watch Tarzan movie on Saturday. Fond memories of Tarzan, Boy and Chita. Now all of you are in Heaven together. Bless you Boy and your family.
jose mario salinas
carlsbad, NM
Cathie Davids
October 25, 2010
As a child the best way to spend a winter Saturday morning was to watch programs like Fury, Sky King, Tarzan and Bomba movies. Action, adventure - just thrilling stuff for an almost teenage girl. Several months ago I purchased a "Tarzan and the Leopard Woman" movie poster at a used book store. I had not thought of these movies for years and the color was so magnificant that it just took my breath away. It now hangs in my upstairs hallway and is the first thing I see in the morning when I get out of bed: the two Johnny's and Aquanetta in that gorgeous leopard costume. Mr. Sheffield was quite a good actor as a child and young man and it seems he lived a fine life. Tough time for his wife and kids and friends and fans, too. God bless them all.
E F
October 25, 2010
Many fond memories watching Tarzan and Boy. God Bless you and your family. The little boy with the Curly Hair " Rest In Peace"
T Bonin
October 25, 2010
Johnny Sheffield will always be that young boy to me, he and the shows of that time are loved memories for me. Rest in peace
Janet Carter
October 25, 2010
I loved Saturday mornings and afternoons because I watched all the Tarzan and Bomba movies. God bless you all. Too bad kids today didn" have these too watch.
Lea Anne Schroeder
October 25, 2010
Always loved watching Mr. Sheffield in the role of Tarzan's son "Boy." It's a wonderful memory I have of being with our whole family in the living room. May your family be blessed with wonderful memories of him. God be with you and comfort you.
Cathy
October 24, 2010
What memories watching Tarzan and Boy. My prayers go out to the family. May God Bless.
October 24, 2010
I spent many Saturday afternoons watching Tarzan and "Boy", they brought so much excitement and joy to a youngsters heart. Johnny will always be remembered . My deepest sympathy to his wife,family and friends may God bless you and give you comfort in your loss.
Sandra, Oklahoma
Janice Howell
October 24, 2010
Thank you for all the fun times watching Tarzan !!!!! It was a very goood and descent show when I was growing up... Im 50yrs old now ,you will truely be missed Boy !!!! Your family is in my prayers !!!! :)
MARK JONES
October 24, 2010
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Johnny Sheffield. My thoughts and prayers goes out to his wife and family.He will always be in your hearts. He will be with all of us through his movies. May God Bless
nancy tyler
October 24, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
bonnie stokes
October 24, 2010
to the sheffield family, my condolenses to you family at this time. my prayer's are with all of you. I pray that the world will know, what kind of a man Johnny Sheffield was. may God give you the strength and the love to get through this difficult time. thank you. ms. bonnie stokes.
Bob Brown
October 24, 2010
umgowa,Boy. Say hi to Big John,too.
Sandra Brown-Pitts
October 24, 2010
Johnny Sheffield is a few years younger than my Dad but will be missed like a brother. I have the entire "Tarzan Collection" and watch it often, he was a good actor whom we all fell in love with...
Donna L. Tolliver
October 23, 2010
What can I say about the best movies ever Tarzan and BOY. May you rest in peace.
October 23, 2010
I AM TRULY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF JOHNNY,I REALLY ENJOY THE MOVIE TARZAN WITH HIM AS BOY. MAY THE GOD OF ALL HOPE HELP YOU TO ENDURE AT THIS TIME. PLEASE READ PSALMS 37;11.A,WINCHER.HOUSTON.
Liz Williams
October 23, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you go through this sad time. I am a forever fan.
Mary Herndon
October 23, 2010
God Bless you family I remember the good old days when Johnny played "Boy" he will be sorely missed. I pray God will give you the strength needed at this most difficult time in your life. Mary Herndon, Clinton, NC
NANCY CAREY
October 23, 2010
Those were the days for good movies that had substance to them and not so much violence and foul language.
October 23, 2010
Most all little kids watching old Tarzan movies identified with "boy." Blessings
on Johnny.
Ken Kelly
Mission, KS
Hilda Parris
October 23, 2010
"Wonderful memories of watching him swing through the trees with Tarzan! May Holy Spirit comfort the family during this time of grief."
October 23, 2010
I really enjoyed watching all of the Tarzan movies growing up as a child and watching them with my Dad , who loved all of the Tarzan movies too! He will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace! Our hearts go out to all of his family.The Smith, Carpenter and Hufford families. Eureka, Ca.
Bonnie Yocum
October 23, 2010
Thanks for the Memories. I enjoyed all the movies of Tarzan of the {Boy}. Rest in Peace.
David Cabaniss
October 23, 2010
I grew up watching these films and reminds me of a more innocent time. God bless you Johnny and may your family find peace during this transition in your lives.
Allen Wilson
October 23, 2010
I'am deeply saddened of Mr.Sheffield's passing.i grew up watching Tarzan movies with his character as (Boy) in them. My Prayers and Thoughts are with your family. Rest in Peace..
CRYSTAL BAYNE
October 22, 2010
GOD BLESS JOHNNY, AND HIS FAMILY.
Diane Masterson
October 22, 2010
Thanks for all those Saturday afternoon matinees at the movies in the 50s with Bomba and "Boy", the son of Tarzan. Those were truly the days. R.I.P. Johnny Sheffield ?
Boyd Faulknor
October 22, 2010
My God, I grew up watching Tarzen movies and even now I sometimes rent one of the old classic Tarzen's just for nostalgic reason's I suppose. But I do so enjoy them . Thank You Mr. Sheffield for bringing me joy and happiness with your part in those movies. God Bless You
October 22, 2010
YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN YOUR LOSS AND KEEP YOU STAY STRONG
Elaine Haynes
October 22, 2010
God bless your family.
Nancy Lutes Weber
October 22, 2010
To Patty, Pat, and Stuart:
I was so sad to hear of John's passing. Like all the rest, I loved the Tarzan movies. More than that, I am so grateful that I had the chance to get to know you all at the club house in Yuma. What a wonderful family! John was one of the most loving and generous people I have ever had the privilege to know. Please know that there are many of us in Yuma who share your sorrow. God bless you all.
Nancy Lutes Weber
October 22, 2010
I/GREW;UP'WITH;THE;TARZAN;MOVIES;HE;WILL;BE;SADLY;MISSED.'YOUR TACO BELL;HOSTESS.'CINDA J.MERICA. MASSILLON/OH.
steve boyce
October 22, 2010
to the family of johnny sheffield are prayer are with you in this time of lost
GLORIA CLAUD
October 22, 2010
May God bless your family during this time of sorrow.Our family watch Boy and Tarzan everytime it came on.
C. Kelleher
October 22, 2010
He was a beautiful boy...hope he had a beautiful life.
Earlie Alford
October 22, 2010
I loved to watch Tarzan; May God Forever Bless those that passed on from those days and the Family of ALL.
judy simons
October 22, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
michael ward
October 22, 2010
love u in Tarzan. God Bless YOu.MichaelJ Ward
Mike Zdunich
October 22, 2010
My favourite always, "Tarzan Finds A Son"
which I frequently view on DVD. I've read
Mr. Sheffields article expressing the great love and respect he had for his movie father, Mr. Weismeuller. Hope he had a wonderful life. My heartfelt and
sincere condolances to his family.
October 22, 2010
Tarzan, Jane, Boy and Chita -- I will remember them always. Thanks for some good hours in the darkened theater.
Kathleen Kenepp
October 22, 2010
RIP. Your role as an entertainer was delightful. Thank you for the many hours of watching such a delightful young man and the many gentle animals. That kind of entertainment is long gone. Thanks for the memories. You now join Tarzan and Jane and Chita in a world that's calm and peaceful, once more.
Kelly Bustard
October 22, 2010
I spent countless hours watching Tarzan wishing I was "boy" Peace to the family.
October 22, 2010
i also watched tarzan he was a cute little boy will be sadly missed d. thompson lorain ohio
Eloise Smith
October 22, 2010
To the Sheffield Family,
I am sorry to here of Johnny's passing. He had an enjoyable life while he played his role in Tatzan. He has entertained millions around the world. He will still be a joy to millions once he is resurrected back to life and can enjoy what he likes to do to the fullest.
May the God of all love and peace provide you and the family with comfort during your sad loss. Isaiah 41:10
Janet Downing
October 21, 2010
What lovely curly hair boy had. He always saw the good in people. I loved watching him hold hands with Cheeta. I have most of the Tarzan movies and can relive those Saturday movie times.
Johnny Sheffied was one of a kind. My sympathy to the family.
Gene Davis
October 21, 2010
Even today, after not having seen a "Bomba" movie for more than 48 years, I still express my confusion on any particular subject by uttering, "Bomba no understand!" To me, young Mr. Sheffield epitomized the kid every city/suburb dwelling adolescent wanted to be in his fantasy life. He was literally one of a kind!
Anthony Rodgers
October 21, 2010
I watched you at the Saturday Matinees in the Tatzan movies. RIP
marily gentile
October 21, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
felipe garza
October 21, 2010
angawa..angawa...chita, it will never be the same
sheila rose
October 21, 2010
I remember watching boy on Tarzan when I was a kid & really liked it. Wish they had some of them clean reruns on besides all these trashy shows today. Those were the days.... Sheila Rose
linda owens
October 21, 2010
i remember watching him in his moves.he was such a good actor and a hansome looking boy.my prayers snd condolences to his family
CINDY MCCLURE
October 21, 2010
PRAYERS ARE OUT FOR ALL THE SHEFFIELD FAMILY. THOSE TARZAN MOVIES WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED AND REMEMBERED. NOTHING TO COMPARE WITH TODAY !
Rose Hudson
October 21, 2010
Johnny was an excellent actor, I loved watching Tarzan and Boy, My condolences go out to his wife and family, God Be is with you.
October 21, 2010
um-gawa,,eeka bwana.Loved the Tarzan movies as a kid.God's speed
Charles Short
October 21, 2010
Memories are for a lifetime, and I have great memories of Robert. He was a wonderful person, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of bereavement.
Charles H. Short & Family
Regena Cook
October 21, 2010
I LOVE THOSE TARZAN MOVIES ,BOY WAS ATRUE DELIGHT MY LOVE TO HIS FAMILY AND ALL THE TARZAN MOVIE LOVERS.REGENA SPRINGVILLE ALABAMA
Loretta Trammell
October 21, 2010
May God be with you during this time of
grief. I loved the movies he played in and still enjoy watching them today.
June
October 21, 2010
Memories are something that we keep with us forever. I have great memories of Johnny as "Boy". I loved watching Tarzan and I loved Boy. He will be missed by all. My prayers and love are with the family. Take comfort in knowing Johnny is with God. Peace of mind and heart I am praying for you.
October 21, 2010
I feel like i have lost another member of my family also. i would hardly
miss a tarzan movie and ''Boy'' was such a delight i was very close to his age', and being such a tomboy , I wanted to be running through the jungle and swinging through the trees with him and Cheeta. They were all wonderful. Please know that I share your loss. S.W. B.R., La.
L Hall
October 21, 2010
My condolences to the family. I loved him in Tarzan. He was just the cutest little boy.
FrannieB
October 21, 2010
My condolences to the family. The Tarzan movies and 'Boy' is a wonderful childhood memory that I still have. RIP Johnny Sheffield.
Nadine A. Greene Armstrong
October 21, 2010
I am so sorry for your lost. I really enjoyed Johnny as Boy and will miss him. Tarzan is one of my favorites and I have most of the video's. I will cherish the memory of knowing him as a child star. Keep the faith and may God Bless you all.
Harry Renken
October 21, 2010
I remember"Boy" of the Tarzan series. And he also did a couple "Bomba" movies. Good stuff. Brings back good memories. Sorry for his loss.
Lea Ann Weatherford
October 21, 2010
I continue to watch the VHS Tarzan finds a Son, it is a heartwarning movie, one one of the better child stars, May he rest in peace with Tarzan, Cheetah, and Jane...
melody
October 21, 2010
uwani, Tarzan, we will miss you Boy.
Juanita Owens
October 21, 2010
May the Sheffield Family experience the very best memories of their loved one's life, and may the sure promises of Almighty God be your safe haven. So sorry for your loss.
Margaret Brown
October 21, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of grief. Draw close to God in prayer
Art LaHote
October 21, 2010
I remember Him as a "Boy" in the man Tarzan films I enjoyed on Saturday Matinees at the old Eastwood Theater. May he rest in piece - Job well done!
October 21, 2010
I grew up watching the Tarzan Movies and Boy character.It was something special in his character I enjoyed as a child .Growing up Black in the South in the 50's and 60's. Watching these movies was a treat. Even though it was some negative input on Afica.I enjoyed Boy.My condolences to the Family, and Friends.
Dale Monahan
October 21, 2010
I am so sorry. My heart goes out to his family. I had the privilege to meet him at a Tarzan convention. He was such a nice and gracious man. He will be missed.
Victoria Hinman
October 21, 2010
I wish the movies industry would bring back to good ole ones. Tarzan movies were awsome. My prayers to the Sheffield family.
Bill Hayes
October 21, 2010
Pat and family. I was sorry to hear the news of your Dad's death. I don't know if you will remember me, but I'm the Coast Guard Pilot who lived at the Point Loma lighthouse from 1994 to 1997. You and Tigh would come over to Dolphin Tanks and we would surf together a lot. I have good memories of my time in San Diego and surfing with you. Of course, I was also a great fan of Tarzan when I was young. May your father rest in peace and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
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