Jack Shaughnessy

John "Jack" Shaughnessy, 66, of Maple Grove and formerly of Northeast Minneapolis, passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by his family, on August 27, 2022. Recognized for his decorated career in public service and revered for his unyielding love and commitment as a devoted husband and father, Jack is remembered for his passion, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty.
Jack graduated from Edison High School in 1974, and after receiving nominations from then-U.S. Senator Walter Mondale and then-U.S. Congressman Donald Fraser, he went on to attend the United States Naval Academy from 1974 to 1976, where he played left wing on the Naval Academy's hockey team. From 1976 to 1978, he then went on to attend the University of St. Thomas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.
Jack's prolific career in law enforcement and corporate security began with his time as a Hennepin County deputy sheriff from 1978 to 1979 and Roseville police officer from 1979 to 1984. Later that year, he transitioned to the United States Secret Service, where he served as a special agent-including assignments to the agency's prestigious Presidential Protective Division during the George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton presidential administrations. In 1996, he re-located to the Secret Service's New York field office, where he served in both protective and investigative capacities. Jack later received a Valor Award-the highest award bestowed by the Secret Service-in recognition of his courageous actions undertaken at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. He was also given the honor of coordinating security for President George W. Bush's historic visit to Ground Zero and first pitch at Game 3 of the 2001 World Series, held at Yankee Stadium. After 22 years of public service, Jack retired from the Secret Service in 2006 and began his career in corporate security, serving as Vice President of Corporate Security & Business Continuity Planning at hotel and resort company Wyndham Worldwide. In that capacity, he oversaw the company's corporate security operations. He retired from Wyndham Worldwide in 2020.
Jack loved spending time with his family, traveling, and reading all things history. An avid hockey fan, Jack served as a coach for various local high school hockey teams over the years. He was a charming and captivating storyteller, known for his love of sharing stories of his life with anyone who would care to listen-and even a few who didn't.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years-and high school sweetheart-Denise; his children Jaime Middaugh (Brian), Jenna Ashcraft (Seth), Jake Shaughnessy (Lauren), and John Shaughnessy (Christine); grandchildren Brielle, Brice, Seth James, Madi, Gunner, and Penelope; sister Arlene Wischnewski (David), brother Tim Shaughnessy (Sandie), and sister-in-law Barbara Shaughnessy; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family; and beloved dog Bruno. He is preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Geraldine Shaughnessy; sister Carol Okerstrom and brother Terrance Shaughnessy.
Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Washburn-McReavy Northeast Chapel, 2901 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am with visitation one hour prior on Friday, September 2, 2022, St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93rd Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, with burial to follow at Washburn-McReavy Hillside Cemetery 2600 19th Ave NE, Minneapolis.
Jack's family will host a Celebration of Life Friday evening following his service, during which guests are encouraged to share memories and stories of Jack's life.
In lieu of sending flowers, Jack's family invites you to make a donation in his honor to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition (multiplesystematrophy.org) and/or Defeat MSA Alliance (defeatmsa.org/).