John Edward Shields

1942 - 2025

John Edward Shields, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025 in Collierville, Tennessee, surrounded by his children. John was born on May 12, 1942 in Queens, New York, the son of John and Elizabeth Shields and grandson of Michael and Mary Anne Shields. He is survived by his sister, Mary Shields; his children, Kathleen and Patrick Shields; in addition to many close relatives from the Shields, Tate, ORourke, and Clark families whom he loved. John was a retired pilot (Captain) for both FedEx and Flying Tigers with a combined 36 years of flying. He flew cargo in CL-44, DC-8, Boeing-747, 707, and MD-11 planes to locations all over the world. John also served in the Naval Reserve for six years including as a radio operator on a P-3 aircraft. John retired from FedEx in 2002, making his final landing in Memphis through a waterfall of fire hoses from firetrucks lined up to celebrate his last flight. John loved to travel and had an appreciation for historical sites and unique experiences. Among his favorite travel memories were a trip with his cousin Judy to Egypt and a trip to Naknek, Alaska for a commercial fishing adventure with his good friends Kim and Roger, and adventures with his sweetheart, Susan. John was known and appreciated for his intellect, infectious laugh and generosity. John is deeply loved and will be remembered by many. A visitation will be held at 2pm on February 12, 2025 at Brent Taylor Funeral Home in Collierville, TN, followed by a service at 4pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Foundation. Cemetery St. John's Cemetery Brooklyn NY US Visitation Wednesday, February 12, 2025 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Brent Taylor Funeral Directors 534 W Poplar Avenue Collierviille TN 38017 US (901) 707-8115 Funeral Service Wednesday, February 12, 2025 4:00 PM - Brent Taylor Funeral Directors 534 W Poplar Avenue Collierviille TN 38017 US (901) 707-8115 Funeral HomeBrent Taylor Funeral Directors 534 W Poplar Avenue Collierville TN - 38017 US (901) 707-8115 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store.