John Max Shaw

1962 - 2025

John Max Shaw
April 13, 1962 - August 10, 2025
It's with great sadness, we lost John Max Shaw August 10, 2025. John was born to Eva M. and Clinton C. Center in Glennallen on April 13, 1962 and was raised in Palmer by Eva M. and John D Shaw.
Known for being generous, easy-going, and very 'old-school'. His infamous dad-jokes were guaranteed to get a resounding "Booooo". John worked in tech for 27 years and still wouldn't own a cell phone. He would say 'We may not get it right the first time, but it is right just in time". John loved serving up home cooked meals, hosting large BBQ's and celebrating every holiday surrounded by family, siblings, friends and guests.
In 1995 John married Texan-born Nina Carol Reaves and had three beautiful daughters, Sierra, Lily, and Evie. They raised their family on Anderson Lake - in John's childhood home. The Shaw House has been a gathering place for BBQs, swimming, boating and laughter around the fire pit. John built a 'Dockio' (motorized dock) to tour around the lake. He would stand at the captain's wheel, grill up our meal and keep the on-board fire pit stoked - creating many special memories. John taught his girls to move through the world with generosity, kindness, and to find the funny parts of life. When a car flipped, a wheel fell off, or oil needed to be changed, dad was there.
Fishing was always an adventure with John - from Homer with Uncle Sledge, Deep Creek on his boat, to river and ice fishing. Each experience never to be forgotten, many were doozies! And when the snow fell he would plow driveways for those in need, friends and strangers alike. Keeping him out for hours all across the valley. His payment was a 'wave' or a chat in the driveway.
After graduating from Palmer High in 1980, John received two Bachelor's degrees, in both Math and Computer Information Systems from University of Oregon in 1984. Afterwards he pursued a MBA in Business administration at UAA. John worked as Senior Programmer Analyst for the Mat-Su Borough School District from 1989-1997.
After playing football on the Palmer High School team, he continued his love of the game. From 1993-1997 he coached PHS football alongside Palmer's greats: Coaches Kay Omer, Rod Christiansen, Brad Hanson, Keith Armstrong, John DePriest, Bert Berrall , Dan Sadalowski, and Paul Whitmore - inspiring our youth with the spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and pride. John coached and led the Palmer Moose Football team to victory for their first and only State Championship in 1995!
He spent the past 27 years at Educational Management Associates, Inc. He started as a Program Development Manager then became a Business Partner in charge of Customer Relations for over 100 school districts located in Alaska and across the country. John worked in his father's old office, located in the little building across from the Valley Hotel in Palmer.
If it broke John fixed it, he paid it forward, lived a simple life, and remained true to himself. His friends and family are all a wonderful reflection of him.
John lost his stepfather, John D Shaw in 1991 and his father, Clinton Calvin (CC) Center in 2000.
He is forever in our hearts... wife, Nina; their daughters, Sierra, Lily, & Evie Shaw; mother Eva (David) Baker; siblings Charly Center, Mary (Kay) Omer, & Margaret (Rod) Hanson; nieces/nephew's, Shanna Omer, Grant Omer (Diane Onikute), Shane Omer (Rachel Rudeen), Rick (Hannah) Hanson, & Kristin Nelson; grandniece & nephews, Tilda Hanson, Odin Nelson, Waylon Nelson, & Josiah Omer; and of course his beloved dog, Schatzi.
A Celebration of Life for John will be held on Saturday August 23th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 N Barry's Resort Drive. Please bring a favorite side dish or dessert. A donation to Mat-Su Borough Animal Shelter would honor his memory.
'It's he who has the most motorcycles.' John wins! Go Moose!