John R. Shiner

September 8, 1943 - August 2, 2025 John R. Shiner, the only child of Raymond A. and Anne D. Shiner, passed away on August 2, 2025. John was born in New York on September 8, 1943 before his family relocated to Los Angeles. John grew up in Brentwood and attended the John Thomas Dye and Harvard Schools. He then attended the University of Southern California and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He thereafter was admitted to the University of San Diego Law School and served as Chairman of the Appellate Moot Court Board.

After graduating Law School, John began his legal career at Darling, Hall, Rae & Gute. He then cultivated his law practice through successive tenures at various law firms: Macdonald, Halsted & Laybourne; Baker McKenzie; Morrison & Foerster; Holme Roberts & Owen; and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. His career spanned decades, during which he served with unwavering dedication.

He opened the Los Angeles office of Holme Roberts and Owen and served as Managing Partner. Among his many legal accomplishments, he represented The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles in litigation resulting in a unanimous and landmark decision by the California Supreme Court holding that local parish congregations may choose to leave The Episcopal Church, but they cannot take the church property with them because the property is held in Trust for the denominations.

He was appointed Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and later served as Chancellor Emeritus. He was made a Canon of the Church by Bishop Jon Bruno after which he continued to remain active in church affairs including those at the Parish of St. Matthew in the Pacific Palisades where he resided.

John was very active in the community having been a long-time member of the Jonathan Club, as had his Father. John served as General Counsel to the Club for many years working closely with the Board of Directors. He played a major role in the creation of the Reagan Distinguished American Award presented by the Club to recognize individuals for their contribution to our country. Awardees are citizens of the United States who have demonstrated extraordinary qualities of leadership in their field of endeavor, and devotion to the values that have sustained our country since its founding. He also was a long time Director of the California State Club Association and over the years represented many of the most highly recognized private clubs throughout California.

His civic activities and commitment to the City and community were many and varied, including serving as Chairman of the Symphony of the Verdugos (Ambassador Auditorium) and on the Boards of the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and California Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his daughter Hillary Brooke Janneck, son-in-law Nicholas Janneck and grandchildren Henry and Georgina.