John Sanford Shannon

John ("Jack") Sanford Shannon

May 27, 2024

Charlotte, North Carolina - John ("Jack") Shannon passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in 1931 in Tampa, FL, Jack grew up in Salem, VA and graduated valedictorian from Roanoke College and first in his class from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Virginia Law Review.

In 1960, while serving as a groomsman in his cousin's wedding, Jack had the good fortune of meeting a lovely wedding guest from New York named Betty, whom he married in 1962. Jack and Betty lived in Roanoke, VA for 22 years, raising three children while Jack worked at Norfolk and Western Railway, serving as chief legal officer for 13 years. While in Roanoke, Jack served as Vice President of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Roanoke College, President of the Board of Trustees of the Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley, and a member of the Board of Trustees of North Cross School. He also served as Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. When not working, Jack enjoyed playing tennis with Betty and friends and maintaining the beautiful lawn and flower beds of their family home.

In 1982, Jack and Betty moved to Norfolk, VA, where Jack served as chief legal officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation until his retirement in 1996. During these years, Jack served on the Board of Trustees of both the Chrysler Museum and Norfolk Academy. During retirement, Jack volunteered with Lee's Friends driving cancer patients to chemotherapy appointments and routinely donated platelets through the American Red Cross. He generously supported numerous non-profit organizations in his local community. Jack continued his passion for gardening and relished time spent with his children and grandchildren on their regular visits to Norfolk, where together they cheered for the Virginia Cavaliers in televised sporting events and enjoyed walks to the neighborhood park.

In 2020, Jack and Betty moved to Charlotte, NC to be closer to their children. In the final years of his life, Jack was surrounded by loving and supportive members of the Southminster retirement community, where he could be seen religiously walking every morning with head slightly tilted, wide-brimmed hat, and purposeful stride.

Having served as a speech writer in the early days of his distinguished legal career, Jack certainly would have noted (and humbly edited) repetition of the word "served" in this obituary. However, there simply is no better way to describe Jack than as a true man of service. Throughout his life, his mission was to help others - with an open heart, abundant patience, and infinite wisdom. A quiet leader, Jack was thoughtful, caring, steadfast, and selfless - the ultimate gentleman. He leaves this world a better place and forever will be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth ("Betty") Howe Shannon; his son, Scott Shannon (Edie); his daughter, Elizabeth Blalock; his daughter, Sandra Livingston (Brian); and his five grandchildren: Jack (Morgan) and Anne Shannon, Thomas Blalock, and Tucker and Jane Livingston.

Jack will be laid to rest in the St. Johns Episcopal Church Columbarium in his forever home of the Roanoke Valley.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the loving staff at Southminster, BlueDot Cares, VIA Health Partners, and Levine & Dickson Hospice House.

A memorial service in celebration of Jack's life will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 11:00 a.m. in the Southminster Chapel, 8919 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Jack's memory, please consider engagement with a non-profit of your choice.

Online condolences may be offered to the family through Legacy.com.