John Kempton Shields Jr.

1950 - 2022

John Kempton Shields, Jr. passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022, at his home in Mattaponi, Virginia. Kempton was born May 25, 1950 in Newport News to Betty Louise Lester and John Kempton Shields.

Memories of Kempton are celebrated and kept close by his surviving family and friends who include his wife of 43 years, Mary Garland Brookes Shields; daughters Ann Lewis Shields; Jessie Garland Forman (Jay); and son, Greg William Pettit (Laura); and his four grandchildren, Adeline, Wythe, Parker and Sutton. He is also survived by his brother Jolly Shields (Cathy); nephews Kevin and Jeff Shields; and other immediate family, Don and Betty Debord, Ann and Richard Cline, Cindi Brookes, and many cousins.

Kempton attended The College of William & Mary, and graduated with a degree in Business in 1972, where he also earned his MBA shortly thereafter.

He began his long and successful banking career in Richmond in commercial real estate at First and Merchant's, now Bank of America, and retired as a Senior Vice President from SunTrust, now Truist, in 2015. Kempton taught at the Robert Morris Associate School of Banking at East Carolina University over the years.

He is credited and admired for successfully leading the effort to oppose the location of a regional jail in his community of Mattaponi. He served on the King and Queen County Planning Commission and was on the YMCA of West Point Board of Directors.

Kempton chose to make his home at his wife's family place on the Mattaponi and to commute to work in Richmond for many years.

Kempton achieved a rare balance of work, play and family because he put his family first. He believed it and he lived it.

A trusted advisor, many sought Kempton's advice and counsel for everything from buying a new car to how to navigate major life changes and significant financial decisions. He always gave wise and thoughtful guidance, making those who came to depend on him feel valued and special. His gave his time generously and kindly.

He was happiest with a cold beer in his boat, pulling friends, children, grandchildren on skis, tubes or boards. He reveled in hosting annual gatherings at the house for his William & Mary friends every Memorial Day and Labor Day for many, many years.

As a child, Kempton's nickname was "Happy." When his last stroke robbed him of his ability to speak…he regained two words; "thank you." Those words exemplify his approach to the world and he used them often to show his gratitude to those who cared for and visited him. Through his hardest times as he struggled to be his best after the strokes, he maintained his "happy," bringing smiles to all around him.

Kempton was no stranger to finding fun and creating mischief. He had a fondness for spud guns, fast cars (he taught racing at VIR and belonged to the BMW Car Club of America) and any opportunity to spray innocent boaters and swimmers while showing off on a slalom ski. He had a penchant for good rum and loved sharing a shot with anyone he could convince to join him. He often said "You can fix anything with a beer, duct tape or WD40."

He was, to use the name his grandchildren gave him…Magnificent. He never met a stranger. He gladly gave his time and energy unconditionally to those he loved. Never wanting the spotlight on himself, he made sure others had a chance to shine and helped them do it. He encouraged them to succeed, showed them the way if they needed it and celebrated their success. Patient and kind, he was a mentor and a friend to many.

Thank you Ed, Justina, Priscilla, Bethany, Katy, Hannah, Giselle and Sadie for giving him the best possible care, dignity, hope and moments of joy and peace.

A Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 4, at 4 pm, at the family home in Mattaponi. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lower King and Queen Fire and EMS Department, PO Box 187, Shacklefords, VA 23156. Tributes may be posted at www.vincentfh.com.