John J. Shinners

Our beloved "Jerry," John Shinners, 72, of Avon, went to his Savior on December 18, 2017. To his Family and Friends, he was bigger than life and always found something to smile about in the present moment. Jerry loved being a Dad to his beautiful daughter and stepchildren, a Grandpa to three wonderful grandchildren who provided much joy in his final years, and a Best Friend to the Love of his Life. Jerry played many roles throughout his life and the Vietnam War and Vista Peace Core service defined his outlook on life. As a dedicated New Britain High School Business Department teacher for 33 years, he was proud to guide hundreds of students towards business careers through teaching Accounting, Office Job Training, Travel, and Tourism, and serving as Work Study Program Coordinator. He taught with expertise, patience, and deep appreciation of the multicultural life experiences his NBHS students shared in his classroom. He had also treasured teaching Marketing to special needs students whom he made feel valued and successful. His students loved him and called him modest, fun, and amazing. As his business ventures, he owned a motorcycle shop and a travel agency that he later worked for as a travel consultant. As the New England Trail Rider Association (NETRA) Administrator for 30 years, he was the heartbeat of operations and co-run hundreds of dirt bike Enduros, Hare Scrambles, Turkey Runs, and Trail Rides and advocated legislatively for the open spaces for riders throughout New England. Being a four continents racer himself, Jerry won several state and national championship trophies, including seven times the Blackwater 100, the toughest dirt motorcycle championship. Privately, he and his friends enjoyed riding Baja 500, Colorado 500, Sturgis, Laconia, and Daytona. Through it all, Jerry cherished teaching novice riders and there was no better and more experienced friend to the rescue if a rider needed help somewhere on the trail. An avid skier, blues, rock and electronic music enthusiast, a world class photographer, Jerry was lucky to visit over 100 countries from Papua New Guinea to Timbuktu and from North Pole to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. Yet he was never boastful, but ready to share travel advice, organize tours for friends and traveling with him was always an adventure. He had a great sense of humor, a gift of observation and storytelling, and a build-in worldwide GPS in his brain. As his friend summed up, "Most people plan to do things. Jerry did them." Through it all, Jerry was humble and grateful, with a passion for life, adventure, music, good food, and wine. Jerry was always a friend to those in need, a mentor, a great listener, and a patient and kind man. He elected to be a tissue and research donor. Jerry came back to his Faith in his final years and throughout his ALS suffering, he would smile and say, "I am with the Lord now." Jerry's family and friends are very grateful for the outstanding care he received from Drs. Christopher Pickett, Peter Albertson, and Sanjay Mittal at the University Of Connecticut Health Center and from Dr. Kevin Felice at the Hospital for Special Care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Association of Connecticut. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's in Collinsville, CT on April 27 at 10 AM. There will be no calling hours; the Burial Mass will be at his daughter's Parish in California. To all Jerry's friends, thank you for the laughter, joy, and adventures. It was a great ride and a great trip and may his soul rest in eternal peace. An additional announcement: Jerry's Motorcycle Club, CT Ramblers, will hold a Memorial Tribute to Jerry Shinners on January 14, 2017 at 12 PM for riders and friends at Sun Valley Beach Club, upper lot Hill House, Stafford Springs, CT.