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John Shields Obituary
John V. Shields Jr., former Chief Executive Officer of Trader Joe's Company, passed away on Fri, Oct 31, 2014 after a long illness. John was 82-yrs-old and lived in Thousand Oaks, CA at University Village.
John received his bachelor degree in 1954 and MBA in 1956 from Stanford University. After serving as an artillery lieutenant in the U.S. Army, John started his business career with Macy's in 1958. When John left Macy's after 20 yrs, he was the Senior Vice President of Operations. John moved to Mervyn's in 1978 where he spent the next nine years and retired in 1987 as the Vice President of Operations; John's retirement lasted only five weeks. John's former fraternity brother, Joe Coulombe, offered John a position as President of the Trader Joe's Company. John became the Chief Executive Officer of Trader Joe's in 1989. During John's 12-year tenure as CEO, he grew the company from only 27 stores to a national company with 158 stores in 13 states, increasing sales from $127 mil in 1987 to more than $1.8 bil in 2001.
John was named the Master Entrepreneur of the Year in 1993, and in 1994, he was honored as the Retailer of the Year by the Institute of Retail Management at California State University, L.A.
John is survived by son, John (Sandy) Shields III; daughters, Kathleen (Kelly) Shields and Karen (Kerry) Haake; son, Michael Shields; and five grandchildren, Courtney, Dominic, Cassidy, Michaela and Cole.
A Vigil will be held Nov 5th from 5-7pm at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Mortuary in Westlake Village, CA. The Funeral Mass will be held Nov 6th at 10:30am at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church in Thousand Oaks, CA.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Shields
Dan Carney
December 29, 2014
John was a coach and a mentor as he was willing to share his time and wisdom the last several years. I cherish my time with him and will be forever thankful for his impact on my life.
Robert Bagdazian
November 10, 2014
Dear Shields Family,
I knew John from his time as a member of Legatus and from a few visits he made to Thomas Aquinas College, and enjoyed our conversations about faith and business. He will be in my prayers. God bless you all. Robert Bagdazian
John Lockhart
November 8, 2014
John shared his wisdom on leadership and business with many. I heard him speak many times and watched how people naturally gravitated to him and learned from him. I know being close to his family in Ventura County was very special to him. He leaves a great legacy.
Sandy Robeson
November 6, 2014
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Marlene Hunter
November 5, 2014
Dear Shields family: My sincere condolences over the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. John was a classmate of my husband's at Serra High School in San Mateo where both graduated in 1950. We met him at one of the class reunions when he shared his Trader Joe's stories and amazed all of us. My Bob also went to Stanford, but after the Navy and after we were married. The two men shared that also. My Bob died 2 years ago from a rare disease, NMO. I hope they are meeting somewhere in heaven and reliving old stories. Sincerely, Marlene Hunter
Sad for your loss
Robin Cohen
November 5, 2014
To the Shields Family, As a recent employee of Trader Joe's, I never had the pleasure and honor of meeting John but have heard wonderful things about him from our captain, Mickey Woomer, and our mates and crew members. Unfortunately, I'm unable to attend the Vigil and Funeral but wanted to send my condolences, nevertheless. I feel for your loss and am glad you have so many loving and supportive people to help you get through it. All the Best, Robin Cohen
Vicki Fogel Mykles
November 5, 2014
To the Shields Family, I am saddened to learn of John's passing. I enjoyed many fine conversations with him over a glass of whiskey on his UVTO patio during the past seven years - always learned something new from him. Only wish I had known him in his prime! This intense and vibrant soul will be missed. He was a treasure! VFM
Stan Adler
November 5, 2014
I am deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. I considered him a master of retail, a personal mentor, a very special human being, and good friend. The years spent with John at TJ's and the briefer time spent with John and Judie in the desert was a high point in my life. I send my sympathy to Michael and the Sheilds family.
John Spanek
November 5, 2014
Dear Kelly, Sandy, Michael and Kerry. The Spanek family sends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time. Your father was a special man who left his Mark. Offering our deepest sympathy.
Heidi Leindecker
November 4, 2014
John was an inspiration to many. i am grateful i had the chance to meet him. His legacy will live on in our lives. Wishing you and your family comfort at this difficult time. John will be deeply missed.
Michele Caldwell
November 4, 2014
To Michael and the whole Shields Family, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your father. He was a tremendous man. He did so many wonderful things for Trader Joe's, but more than that he raised you to be a thoughful and caring man. I hope your grieving is brief but your memories never fade.
Stan Carmichael
November 4, 2014
Jenifer and I send our sympathy and prayers to the Shields family. We knew John during his membership in Legatus and spent many wonderful times with him. He was respected for his many accomplishments but importantly, during these triumphs, he always kept high his values and morals.
John is now with his beloved Judie and his Lord. Can it get any better !!
A fellow Stannford grad, Stan Carmichael
Paul and Karin Madarieta
November 4, 2014
We are so sorry to hear the news of your Dad's passing. He was a very special man who we are grateful for having the opportunity to know. He has been a big influence in our lives and we are thankful to be a part of his legacy.
Love and prayers to all.
Lou Valdez
November 3, 2014
Michael & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Although we didn't John for a long period of time, his impact on those who knew him best will be cherished. We were fortunate to have John in our community and thankful for all his contributions to family, friends and the business community. The Valdez Family
Lisa MacKechnie
November 3, 2014
To Michael and your whole family,
I was so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I never had the privilege of meeting your father, but heard nothing but absolutely amazing things about him. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to all of your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Lisa MacKechnie
Mikele Rauch
November 3, 2014
I have a deep sense of both loss and gratitude--at the same time--for John. He was a true friend to Doug and I , honest , and true. He did not sugar coat anything. We would come to California and drive to his spot and have lunch or dinner--always vibrant, funny, intellectually rigorous conversations. John loved to spar with me because our politics were so opposite. But what a gift he was to us in tough times, with constant support and integrity. John was above all very kind--and not in a sentimental way. He lived fully and loved each member of his family fiercely.
I thank God he was in my life.
Mikele Rauch
November 3, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss!! I had the pleasure of working with John Shields at the corporate Office he was a very nice man! My condolences to all his family sincerely Ofelia Carbajal
November 3, 2014
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Shields family... John will be long remembered and missed by all who were fortunate to know him. His spirit and legacy live on in his family and accomplishments. With prayers, Leroy & Lisa
Ken and Darlene Shepard
November 3, 2014
To Michael and Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss. Darlene and I will always fondly remember your father as he was a very special person in our lives. We know his memory will live on in the hearts of many others that he touched in his lifetime. Our deepest condolences.
Denise Horton
November 3, 2014
Dear Michael, Tricia, Michaela, and Cole…we're so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sending lots of love and hugs your way….xoxo
The Horton Family
Melissa DeVol
November 3, 2014
Dearest Tricia, I am so sad to hear this news…I had a feeling when we spoke. Michael and you and your whole family are in our prayers during this time.
Sending Love and Comfort, The DeVols
Mary Barrett-Rodriguez
November 2, 2014
Dear Kerry and family, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad!!
Love and prayers,
Mary Barrett-Rodriguez
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