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John Shields Obituary
Born and educated in New Zealand, Jack attended Indiana University as a graduate student, earning a masters degree in education. Offered a teaching position at Atlanta's Westminster Schools, he spent the next thirty-nine years as a faculty member.
During summer vacations, Jack and his wife Beverly operated Atlanta Travelcamp, escorting students on tours of the U.S.A, visiting national parks and other points of interest. They also took 5 groups to Hawaii, three to New Zealand, and one to the Orient.
An accomplished track and field athlete, Jack won the U.S.A Masters javelin throwing championship five times, and in 1993 he won the Worlds Senior Javelin title at Miyazaki Japan.
With encouragement from renowned Atlanta artist George Beattie, he began painting watercolors quickly developing into one of the top artists in the Southeastern area. For thirty-five years he taught workshops throughout the U.S.A. His paintings hang in numerous private homes, businesses, schools and in six foreign countries.
He is survived by Beverley, his wife of 65 years, his oldest son Dr. John Shields and wife Dr. Tammy Shields, grandchildren Jack, Emma, and Georgia who live in Franklin Tennessee and his youngest son Hugh who lives in Florida.
Memorial service will be planned for the spring.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Shields
Jimmy Dunn
August 19, 2025
Just came across this listing, my parents sent me on Mr. and Mrs. Sheilds' Western tour many years ago . I have treasured this experience all my life, we traveled in two vans for the teenagers and an older utility vehicle for the gear. Mr. and Mrs. Sheilds , their kids, and one college student counselor took us on a fascinating itinerary of the West for several weeks. You could not replicate this adventure in current times . Wonderful People
Jean Sommerville
June 19, 2021
This morning while admiring several Jack Shields' watercolors in my home I wondered how he was and found this post. Though a Westminster student at the time he taught I was in the Girls' School so didn't meet him until decades later at a watercolor workshop. Later I was invited to the wonderful annual event at his home where beautiful paintings were displayed for sale. Mrs. Shields made wonderful treats and was incredibly welcoming and gracious. I continue to cherish meeting you both and treasure the art that gives me such pleasure.
Sherri Kelly
May 26, 2021
Thought about Jack today teaching painting and decided to see if he was ok and found this. Jack was the kindest soul and always brighter my day and cheered me up and everyone else in the hospital. I worked with him at the Shepherd center he volunteered teaching veterans with TBI how to paint. He was so free with the giving of his time and talent and I will never forget him and the things he taught me.
scott c lauffer
May 25, 2021
My condolences to the Shields' family.
While I never had Jack as a teacher I did participate in one of his notorious ski trips, I remember riding in the million mile van :). One of his beautiful watercolors hangs at our front door which was originally a gift to my mother that I then inherited.
Rest in peace.
Scott
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Adam Frey
May 20, 2021
I was Jack Shields' math student in 1968-69. He was a wonderful teacher, very clear, spirited, amusing, and encouraging. He was also the only teacher I encountered who made a real effort to speak against bullying in a time when bullying among boys was considered normal and good for the character of the one being bullied. He was courageous and real. Definitely a hero to me.
Patricia Martin Wyatt
April 8, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Starr Moore
December 24, 2020
I remember when Mr and Mrs Shields arrived at Westminster as a glamorous young couple from far away. The very fact that they moved to another country set an example for me that I later followed twice with great enthusiasm. Mr. Shields taught the boys athletics and Mrs. Shields taught the girls. I especially remember the rhythmic stick games in the gym on a rainy day. I also treasure the memories and experiences of my trip out West with them one Summer - another example of the value of travel. My thanks to both of them for life -changing experiences. My sympathy to Mrs. Shields and her family in these difficult days.
Lindsey Ison Sones
December 21, 2020
Mrs. Shields, You and Mr. Shields had so much life expanding influence on so many young people through your leading trips all over the country. It is with great memories that I recall travelling with you to NYC, (who knew food could come from an automat?); seeing Mary Martin in Peter Pan on Broadway, seeing all the monuments in DC, travelling to the Bahamas and more. I also recall the heavy bamboo "hula hoops" we used in PE class where I learned that not everything is easy, keep trying, be a sport and you don't always win but it can still be fun. What a legacy. Lindsey Ison Sones
Richard Howell
December 18, 2020
A wonderful man and teacher who impacted so many.
Richard Howell
Dan MacDougald
December 18, 2020
Loved that man. A trul great teacher. Many fond remembrances
Joel Osner
December 17, 2020
Mr Jack Shields lives on in memory and is the greatest of all Westminster teachers I knew in my 9 years there. Ms Beverly Shields is a close second
Harry MacDougald
December 17, 2020
What a rich and wonderful life. I went on one of his Western Trips - a fantastic experience, all because of him and his wife. I have always remembered that him and that trip very fondly. Think of all the people whose lives he enriched. Thank you, Mr. Shields.
Grace Trimble
December 17, 2020
My two trips with Jack and Beverly (to Mexico and through the West) were some of my most treasured memories of my years at Westminster. I still talk about them. I remember both Jack and Beverly fondly.
Jerdone Davis
December 17, 2020
Beverley and family, I'm saddened to hear of Jack's passing. You both were influential in my formative years and I cherish the memory making we made back then. I loved traveling with Atlanta Travelcamp across the states and on to Hawaii and back as well as the trip to Nassau with you. I also loved being involved in caring for your first newborn and staying with you in your lovely home. It seems the years have passed so quickly. Those times seem in part to have occurred only yesterday. I can still hear your voices and your accents. May God comfort you and your sons and the rest of your family. Much, much love to you.
Robin Ferst Marhaver
December 17, 2020
Traveled during many summers with Jack and Beverly. It was a privilege. You taught me so much, including how to pitch a tent.
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