The Rev. John G. Shoemaker

1929 - 2016

The Rev. John G. Shoemaker

July 6, 1929 - July 29, 2016

Salem, OR - The Rev. John G. Shoemaker, 87, died at his home in Salem, OR from complications of metastatic squamous cell skin cancer. He was born in Kennett Square, PA, to Allison and Florence Shoemaker, and was preceded in death by his brother, William.

Jack graduated from Washington College, Chesterton, MD in 1950. He attended Crozer Seminary, graduated from Virginia Seminary in 1954 and was ordained an Episcopal priest. His ministry included chaplaincies at St. Paul's School, Concord, NH, the Cathedral School for Girls, Washington, D.C., and served at the Washington National Cathedral as canon. He was rector of St. Luke's Church, Seaford, DE, where he was active in civil rights. Jack returned to school chaplaincies at St. Mark's School, Southboro, MA, Trinity Prep School, Orlando, FL, the Asheville School, Asheville, NC, MidPacific Institute, Honolulu, HI, and Punahou School, Honolulu, HI, where he met and married Roxanne, who was on the music faculty at Punahou and held the flute/piccolo chair with the Honolulu Symphony. Jack also served as vicar of Emmanuel Church, Kailua, during his tenure in Hawaii.

Jack was an Episcopal priest for 62 years. During his school ministries, he was active in each diocese where he served as vicar, supply, or guest preacher. He remained passionate about civil rights in all its forms. The Shoemakers moved to Salem, OR in 1996 where his ministry included interim, supply, and guest preaching throughout the diocese of Western Oregon. Jack and Roxanne began serving as Protestant chaplain and flutist on cruise ships and were fortunate to travel much of the world during this 20 year ministry.

Jack is survived by his wife of 35 years, Roxanne, brother, Robert (Arlene), first wife, Margaret, and their children, William, Stephen (Collette), Timothy, Sarah Evans (Thomas), and Elizabeth Lieus, as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held September 23, 2016, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Willamette Valley Hospice.