John-Shields-Obituary

John Shields

Atlanta, Georgia

About

LOCATION
Atlanta, Georgia

Obituary

Send Flowers

SHIELDS, John James "Jack"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...

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

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

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...

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.

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

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.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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...

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...

A wonderful man and teacher who impacted so many.
Richard Howell