Jon Herbert Shive

Jon Herbert Shive was born on April 30, 1939, in a small two-room house in Salem, Indiana. During the early years of World War II, his family moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and after the war, they settled in Bloomington, Indiana. Jon spent his formative years there, excelling academically and graduating from high school with honors. He went on to attend Purdue University, where he majored in electrical engineering.

In 1963, Jon began his military journey at Lackland Officer Candidate School. After earning his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, he was stationed at ENT Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

It was in Colorado Springs that Jon met Sandra at a Christmas party. Two and a half years later, they were married on June 9, 1968, a union that would last for 65 cherished years. Just a month after their wedding, Jon was deployed to Clear, Alaska, where he served at a missile site for a year. Upon completing that tour, he returned to Colorado Springs, reassigned to NORAD.

Jon and Sandra eventually settled into a home in Colorado Springs for 5 years.

In 1975, Jon and Sandra moved to Aurora, Colorado, where Jon began working for Hughes Aircraft at Buckley Air Force Base. Jon transitioned from active duty to the reserves as well, where he built a 20-year military career, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Jon took on parenting in many ways and helped as a soccer coach, introducing his children to an active and athletic lifestyles. He was also an enthusiastic computer hobbyist who enjoyed solving technical problems and helping others, particularly his three sons.

One of the family’s treasured traditions was spending each August in Vail, Colorado. For over 25 years, Jon and his family created countless memories there, a legacy that extended to his grandchildren, who cherished their time in Vail with their grandparents. The family also made frequent trips to Texas, Indiana, and Oklahoma to visit extended family.

Jon is survived by his beloved wife Sandra, their three sons—Kevin (and his wife Trish), Jeffrey, and Stan—along with their three grandchildren, Samuel, Adele, and Elliana. He is also survived by his younger brother, Bill.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Mission Hills Church in Littleton, Colorado. A light meal reception will follow the service.

For those unable to attend in person, a livestream option is available at: missionhills.org/streaming

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rocky Mountain Police & Fire Chaplains at: www.rmpfc.org/support