Sarasota, FL - John Stoddard Sheldon, known affectionately as Shelly passed away peacefully in his home in Sarasota, Florida on January 21, 2026 at the age of 81. Born on September 24, 1944, Minneapolis, Minnesota, John lived a rich and full life shaped by service, craftmanship, and giving.
He grew up in Minnesota and spent countless summers at his father's cabin on Rainy Lake. He built a log cabin on the very same island as his Father's. His time in the US Marine Corp Reserves gave rise to countless stories of camaraderie and resilience, which he shared with a sense of humor and pride throughout his life.
John spent his career as a foreign exchange trader and acquired a pilot's license and flew his own airplane. Eventually he found his way to the sunny state of Florida where he lived part time for over 30 years. He loved his dogs and enjoyed taking them for walks and the dog parks.
He spent his past years with his beloved Mary Jo (Williams) and together they built a life anchored in love and resilience. He is survived by his children: Eric and Christopher Sheldon and step children: Erin Bolton (Michael) and Dustin Williams who he cherished deeply. Brother/cousins Doug Crane (Ruthie) and Stod Crane (Margaret) and brother Stewart Sheldon
John was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and Stewart Sheldon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association.
He grew up in Minnesota and spent countless summers at his father's cabin on Rainy Lake. He built a log cabin on the very same island as his Father's. His time in the US Marine Corp Reserves gave rise to countless stories of camaraderie and resilience, which he shared with a sense of humor and pride throughout his life.
John spent his career as a foreign exchange trader and acquired a pilot's license and flew his own airplane. Eventually he found his way to the sunny state of Florida where he lived part time for over 30 years. He loved his dogs and enjoyed taking them for walks and the dog parks.
He spent his past years with his beloved Mary Jo (Williams) and together they built a life anchored in love and resilience. He is survived by his children: Eric and Christopher Sheldon and step children: Erin Bolton (Michael) and Dustin Williams who he cherished deeply. Brother/cousins Doug Crane (Ruthie) and Stod Crane (Margaret) and brother Stewart Sheldon
John was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and Stewart Sheldon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Stoddard Sheldon, please visit our flower store.
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