Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

John N. Shupe

John Shupe Obituary

SHUPE-John N. Shupe, passed away March 1, 2009 of cancer. He was a dedicated officer of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 34 years. John is su rvived by his wife of 38 years, Kathi, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Rosario, granddaughter Marissa, grandsons Jonathan and Justin, 1 brother, 6 sisters and many nieces and nephews.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Gabriel Valley Tribune from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Shupe

Sponsored by Gerald K. Cooper, Retired, LASD.

46 Entries

John De Bets

September 7, 2009

John Shupe was the BEST COP I ever worked with or around....

I remember one night John had a Trainee working with him. John put out an assistance call, unusual for John. Joe Pugliese and I rolled Code three to South El Monte. When we got there Shupe was standing at the front of his radio car smoking a cigarette and shaking his head. John appeared upset which is unusual for a man who possessed nerves of steel. We walked up to John and asked him, "whats up?" Shupe said you ain't going to belive this !!!!!!! "I saw a guy doing a burglary down the street (Carrying a television out a front door of a residence) so, I tell the trainee to get the guy. The trainee goes in foot pursuit of the crook....good so far.... the crook drops the television....what does the trainee do....stops chasing the crook and brings the television back to me......CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!"

John Shupe is what every Deputy Sheriff strives for: Honorable, Harding Working, Courageous, and Compassionate. He was extremely PROUD to be a LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF and SERGEANT.

Men like Shupe cannot be replaced...May the Good Lord Bless John and his Family............

Rocky Fortner

September 1, 2009

I guess it's that time in one's life when they must unfortunately experience "the passing" of many of the most influential people in thier lives. For me,John Shupe is one of them. He was a silent storm of confidence that demonstrated many of the attributes of confidence, ability and tactical perfection that provided a larger then life foundation on which to build. We workewd together at Central jail in the early 70's and later at Temple Station when I was a Sergeant. We frequented each others homes and shared a variety of interests. But John was one of those guys that you knew was on top of his game. . . . all the time! I am grateful and honored to have been among the deputies that enjoyed his guidance, friendship & professionalism. I know he will be missed by his family, but know too, he will be missed and remembered as a quiet giant among his peers, which were few and far between. Only the good die youg" Johnny....
Semper Fi, Rocky Fortner, Ret. LT. LASD

Randy Honeycutt

August 27, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with John as a deputy at Temple Station and then again as sergeants at the Hall of Justice later on. John always went quietly about duties, doing a better job than most anyone else. But you never heard him "blowing his own horn". He let the results speak for themselves. As a supervisor, he quickly earned the respect of the deputies as well as the other sergeants and above. It was plain as day he knew exactly what he was talking about and had the experience to back it up. When I would come to work and find that I was working with John, I knew it was going to be a pleasant day. My deepest sympathy goes out to John's family. We were all better persons to have known him

Bill Mangan

August 21, 2009

Back in the 80's at Temple Station, I was a Watch Commander for about five years, mostly on PM/EM Relief and straight EM's for many months at a time. I had ample opportunity to observe John not only as a peer leader, but also as a fine practitioner of the skills, knowledge and craftiness required to be a consistently excellent street cop.
John was awesome. I admired him a lot for his abilities, but more so for his quiet humility. I recall once when a pursuit started up, I hurried up to the desk as required of watch commanders to monitor the activity at close hand. When I realized it was John at the helm of the pursuit vehicle I switched my attention from management of risk..... to admiration for his calm and deliberate voice, his tenacity and confidence.I never worried a second about John's ability to handle that task. For him, it was child's play. John was a great man.

Larry Blackwell

August 19, 2009

I never had the privlege of working in a patrol car with John, but I usually worked with him on the evening shifts at Temple Station. I can see him now with his green uniform jacket, a cup a joe and a smoke. I remember him saying that he hadn't earned his paycheck until a bad guy went to jail. He was a leader and a team player. I was called to a traffic accident and discovered that a shootout occurred inside the car. I listened to a dying declaration from the victim and John showed up at the scene to help. He went to a motel associated with the suspects and found more bad guys hiding in a bath tub with guns. His follow up helped identify the murder suspects and solve the crime. He was one of the guys you wanted there when there was chaos.

Jeff Walker

August 19, 2009

I vividly remember Sgt. Shupe as my first sergeant. It was 1989, just out of the academy, and I was assigned to HOJJ. There was not alot to do on the graveyard shift, so he would drill us. CONSTANTLY!! Had me crawling around on the floor in full turn out gear, with a trashbag covering my mask to simulate smoke, amongst other interesting little drills. We would whine and complain, but little did we know, we were never more prepared for an emergency. He was slowly molding us into excellent deputy sheriffs.

As a sergeant now, I look back on those who influenced me, and Sgt. Shupe is definitely in the top 5. His relaxed demeanor and his insistence on excellence I have tried to emulate. Though I may never get there, his example is forever with me.

Lynn Helbing

August 18, 2009

All of the comments herein about John being an excellent Deputy and mentor are absolutely true. Although quiet of nature, he was also very funny. He once had radiated iodine injected to treat an over active thyroid. He told me it did not hurt, but that he glowed in the dark and could not hug his kids.
It was my pleasure to know him and be a partner.

Leonard Peete

August 18, 2009

I remember John best from my first days at the Central Jail. I had all of three days training (or so it seemed) and was given 3600-3800 module as an assignment. One night was particulary loud and suddenly it got quiet on one side of the module. I heard "man walking" and went to the bottom row in the control cage and half way down the row was Deputy John Shupe who was a "prowler" on the floor. He was talking to the inmates in one of the cells. After a couple of minutes he came to the control area and advised me that the inmates in cell B6 were doing drugs and tats (tattoos). I called for some additional Deputies and sure enough,discovered a "hype" and "Tat" kit in the cell. I asked John how he knew and he simply replied "they were being too friendly". I'll probably never forget John and his cool demeaner and "I can handle anything" attitude. My heartfelt sympathy to his friends and family

Steve Keife

August 17, 2009

My wife Cheri worked with John at CJ and I teamed up with him at Temple and NORSAT. He along myself and a name way out of past Bud " Campbell Edwards" all arrived at Temple within the same year. We told war stories only fish patrol deputies could think. Time, 30 plus years, have clouded most of my recall. I will not forget John, he was a great Deputy but better human being.

Dwight DEvelyn

August 17, 2009

Everyone has really described John very well. I came to Temple in 1985 and worked with John as a trainee on several occasions. I believe I still have the DDWS (patrol logs) from those shifts. The man could find a hype in church. Quiet, but strong. A man of few words, but the words counted. As everyone has said, he raised the bar. Getting an opportuntity to work with John meant you were going to learn something. Some people said John was lucky, but as the saying goes - The harder you work, the luckier you get. And he worked without fail and never complained (such a change from what I experienced in later years).

Blessings to the Shupe family. As you can see, John had quite an impact on all of us. Thanks for letting us share some thoughts with you.

Ross Rudin

August 17, 2009

I went through the academy with John as part of class 142. I remember his code 3 run during the Malibu fire of 1970, that Rick Summers mentioned. As ours was a "stress" academy, John took a lot of heat behind that one - all that the DI's could dish out. But he never caved in and they never got the best of him. I recall that during the ELA riot of August 29, 1970, John suffered some serious injuries for which he was hospitalized. But true to form, he bounced back and rejoined his class, refusing to be recycled to another. John was a quiet man, but possessed great inner strength and determination. May he rest in peace.

Gene Leslie

August 17, 2009

John was a Senior Deputy at Central Jail when I showed up in 1976. He taught me how to take a breath before I jumped into a mess. He also taught me how to write a report and explain why I jumped into the mess.

In a lot of ways he set the foundation for my career. I have always been and will remain thankful for his mentoring and friendship.

I ran into him a number of times over the next 30 years. He always started with a smile and a "How you doin?"

John was a rare breed and will be missed by all who knew him.

Joe Race

August 17, 2009

A good man and valuable colleague...may God bless him and his family...prayers from the beach on Saipan.

Vanette (Ford) Christensen

August 17, 2009

Shupe was the gentle giant we all looked up to. His grin could always make you smile. He was quite and fair to all and we listened to what he said because it was always important, never frivolous. When we left briefings, even some of the most experienced FTO's couldn't beat John back to the Station jail with bad guys in his back seat. He had a radar most deputies dreamed of developing for finding crime and he set the bar high, just by doing what he did best, his job every day. If you had the luck of working with John, you'd better be ready to run and stay busy, and bring a lot of booking slips and Shad-49's... You were going to need them.

Thank you John for all you taught us at Temple Station, both about good police work and how to be a better person. You will always be a shining star amongst those who wear the badge, your's was just that much brighter and we are blessed for having been able to be a brief part of your life.

Thank you to John's family for sharing this great man with us. May God bless you and strengthen you through each of your memories as we share in your loss. May you also remember that in your grief, there is reason to celebrate John knowing that he touched the lives of so many in such a great way.

Tim Murakami

August 17, 2009

When I was a new deputy assigned to MCJ (1979), Sr Dep Shupe took me under his wing and taught me how to be a deputy. He was a strong but quiet leader who led by example and left a definite impression upon me. Hopefully through the years I've been able to model my leadership style after his and too have left a legacy for others to follow. I will always be grateful and appreciative of a great man

Susan Maxwell

August 17, 2009

Dear Kathy and family,
John worked at Temple with my husband Jerry. Don't know why we never met. John was a great Deputy and a REAL NICE GUY! I know you have a heavy heart. Can't say how long it will take to ease as I lost Jerry in February of 2007 and sill miss him as much every single day. My heart is with you and prayers too.

Rick Mushinskie

August 17, 2009

John was my TO. An excellent teacher and cop. One fine shift I guess he decided to see how many reports I could handle. I finished some during the shift while handling all the other calls but six were remaining at the end of the shift. I got some sleep, got up early afternoon and finished the reports at home. John walked in to briefing and I handed him the reports. He asked and I replied that I got up early, popped a beer and finished the reports. John never played the report game again with me. I think he liked the popping the beer part the best.

To this day I believe the man could smell guns and drugs in passing cars.

Bruce Fogarty

August 17, 2009

John was simply the best street cop I have ever known. I had the honor of working with him for a month after I got off training at Temple in the early 80's. That was the best finishing school I could have had.

He was a good man, and I have heard nothing but praise and respect for him from the many people whose lives he touched.

God bless you, John.

Jim Forbus

August 17, 2009

John was a living legend at Temple. I was assigned to Temple in 1982, and soon realized I wanted to be the type of street cop John was. Yes he was truly a cop's cop. Later as an FTO, I wanted to match John's stats, no one was better at hunting down "hypes". I'm glad I had the pleasure to know and work with John.

Rick Summers

August 17, 2009

I was in Class 142 with John. In fact, since both our last names start with "S" we were in the same platoon. I remember how during the Malibu fires in 1970, while we were still in the Academy, John went driving a black and white, I believe it was a carry all vehicle, code three through the streets. I don't remember if we as a class or platoon had to pay for that or not, but I do remember how he was called Code Three John, or something like that, after that incident. I later worked with John at Temple Sheriff's Station. In fact we shared the training of Denise Jezak. I had her for her first few months of training and then she finished her training with John. He was a good Cop and as mentioned before, a Cop's Cop. God Bless his soul and his family during their time of sorrow.

Art Reading

August 16, 2009

I first met John at MCJ. I had transferred from HOJJ. He was the silent "killer" type. You never knew what he was thinking but you knew he was. Later, at Temple Station I got to know him very well and learned to admire, respect and turn to him for advice. He was the "real deal." He didn't go out of his way to make himself look good. His actions always spoke louder than his words. (Thank goodness; because he didn't say much in a group.) But one-on-one or with friends he was a real Chatty Kathy! I saw John later when he was at NORSAT. We spoke often about the job and life in general. He was a positive, uplifting man who loved his family and his profession. I will miss him and his "sly comebacks." My prayers are for his family and to all who continue to serve.

Art Reading

Taylor Moorehead

August 16, 2009

John and I were Deputies together at Mens Central Jail in the early 70's and what I remember most about him was his calm, cool and professional demeanor. Through cell searches, inmate discipline and the hours of just being there, John was always the one with the bright attitude.
As time passed and we all went our ways, I would occasionally bump into John and was very pleased and amazed that he had not changed a single bit... he remained the one to emulate, the one to look up to and the one with the solution.
I wish we had crossed paths more often, as I will always recall him as a friend.

Terry Sonntag

August 15, 2009

John and I were in the same platoon in Academy Class 142, in 1970. When we graduated, we went to our new assignments and never crossed paths again. I recall him as being on the quiet side and managed to stay out of trouble. When I heard of his passing, I could picture him and recall our days together on the "grinder". There are many from 142 I have no recollection of. John is not one of them. May he rest in peace.

Ed Chenal

August 15, 2009

To John's Family,

I was a Sergeant at Temple Sheriff's Station back in the late seventies and early eighties when I met Deputy John Shupe.

John was the strong silent type. He let his actions speak for him.
For a supervisor, John was a dream come true. He caused me no problems, handled his calls to conclusion and made many good arrests. He was a person of principles. What more could a person be?

I was sorry to hear of John's passing. May God Bless his Soul.

Ed Chenal
LASD Retired 2002

Alan Chancellor

August 15, 2009

I had the pleasure of being John's Captain at HOJJ when he was a newly promoted sergeant. He was outstanding in every sense of the word and was looked up to by the youngsters on our jail staff. My condolences on his passing and my best wishes to his family.

Maria Holm

August 15, 2009

I worked with John at Men's Central Jail from 1975-1979 when Lady Deputies were a rarity. John along with many other wonderful male deputies treated me equally. John carried this enormous kell light in his back pocket and I can envision this even now and chuckle. You will be truly missed by all. thanks, John for the laughter you brought.

John Valencia

August 15, 2009

I worked with John at Central Jail before he went to patrol. He was a Deputy IV which was hard to do at the time. I remember him as hard working.

Sandi Jacobson

August 14, 2009

Happy Birthday, John. I miss you and wish you were here to celebrate your birthday with Kathi & Kevin.

I love you.

Dave Campbell

August 13, 2009

When you were at Trainee on the skids and your next T.O. was John Shupe, you knew you were in a real heap of crap.
One thing I will alway remember that John taught. When SRC ask for a unit to respond and no one acks up, John would grab the mike and advise that he was responding, even though it may be from the opposite end of our patrol area. He said it will motivate the units closer to do their job.

Linda

March 17, 2009

We offer our deepest sympathy. When tragedy strikes and takes the life of our loved ones, many cry out with great sorrow. Your tears are not unnoticed by the Creator of Life. Never was it his purpose for our human lives to be taken away. Although your deep pain will not easily disappear, prayer to God will bring comfort to you as you grieve. The Bible assures us God "is healing the broken hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spot." Psalm 147:3

Ruben Gracia

March 13, 2009

I was a brand new Deputy Sheriff (Trainee) at Temple Station back in 1984, I had the pleasure of working with John my first few days out in patrol. John asked me if I wanted to take people to jail? My reply was, "sure lets take every crook to jail" He calmly said with cigarette hanging from his lip, "We will, but one crook at a time". John was a COP'S COP! He will be missed.

Norma waters

March 10, 2009

Kathy and Kevin, I hope some day you will have a desire to read the tributes to John. Sounds like he was very loved. When I drive my car I always remember how John taught me to parallel park and to drive on the freeway. So he is always with me. Love, Norma

Tom Angel

March 10, 2009

As a newly assigned deputy at Central Jail I noticed this guy Shupe. The laid back but clever and unassuming Sam Elliott of our time. I later got to know John at Temple Station. While the rest of us were killing ourselves getting to the hot call, John was always the one who laid back to wait for the suspects to come to him. I recall a night in Rosemead where a liquor store on Garvey Avenue had been robbed. My partner and I took the quickest route there. John and his partner took the route they thought the suspects would use to escape from the area. Suffice it to say, they made the traffic stop and arrested the suspects, outside of our containment.

Although he did not often show it, John was a decent and caring person who loved his profession and the people he worked with. If he respected you he would do anything for you. I certainly had the greatest respect for him and it was with great sorrow that I heard of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to John's family.

Janet Dale Peters

March 9, 2009

Kathi Shupe is my sister, which makes John my brother-in-law. I remember his car parked in front of our house in Monrovia and my mom flicking on the light switch to remind Kathi she had to come inside. My mom watched them like a hawk. I was about 9 or 10 years old and did not really understand why Kathi and John wanted to sit out in the car in the dark. They got married several years later and when John graduated from the Sheriff's Academy it was a very proud moment for all of us. My mom (his mother-in-law) bragged about him constantly. He was very very kind and generous to my family, especially my mom. I never got a chance to really thank him or tell him how I felt. I know he is in heaven talking to my mom and dad and finally pain free. God bless you John, God holds a special place in heaven for those who served and protected their community. John loved and provided for his family and was a responsible and fair man. RIP

Jim Birmingham

March 8, 2009

John's passing was so sudden. We were teammates and later he was my supervisor at NORSAT. Our team was very cohesive and sometimes we operated as a dysfunctional family. We wrote a lot of Search Warrants, took a lot of people to jail and always treated the "badguys" with proper repect. John always had my back and we could count on each other to respond in the appropriate manner. No matter how stressful the situation was, John always had that laid back personality, where nothing upset him. I can always remember him coming to work everyday wearing his black socks and blue "Van" tennis shoes. There were times John and I had our disagreements regarding a particular operation, but we both had mutual repect for each other. We would settle our arguments by flipping a coin to see who was going to buy the beer after work. John and several of us from the old NORSAT Team had lunch together about 3 months ago and sat around and told lies and war stories. None of us remember much from the old days, so it took all of us to put our heads together to remember how the case went down. John, you will be missed and that special bond we had will always be in my heart. John, next time I see you, you buy the beer.

John & Caryl Wilton

March 8, 2009

Kathi- We were so shocked and saddened with the news of John's passing. When I think of John I remember the nicest yard on the block on Cambert Street- John was the first guy out to mow! You will be in our thoughts and prayers and may God bring you comfort during this difficult time. You were married to a good man!

Sandi Jacobson

March 6, 2009

Dear Kathi & Kevin

May the comfort of the Lord fill your home at this time. It must seem very empty without John there.

I hope you know how very deeply I loved John. As children he was my hero and sometimes my chief torturer. There was a period of time that whenever John or Rob would pass me they would hit me in the same spot on my arm. I think I was bruised for 2 years straight. Regardless of that, I always felt in the back of my mind that if I was ever in trouble Rob & John would jump on their white horses and slay whatever dragon that was causing me pain.

You & your family are in our hearts, thoughts & prayers. We love you very much.

Bill Phelton

March 6, 2009

John was an outstanding individual and deputy. Very sorry to hear about his passing. My prayers are with his entire family.

Rob Shupe

March 5, 2009

Aunt Kathy and Kevin. I'm so sorry for the loss of Uncle John. So sudden and unexpected. I wish we couldve said goodbye. But we will see him again in heaven. Love Robby

March 5, 2009

Adversity introduces a man to himself.
What a courageous, self-less, loving
person you have proven yourself to be.
Much love and admiration,
Your Sister-in-law, Cindy

ALEC SHUPE

March 5, 2009

Uncle John, I remember all the times when I was a young boy waking up on a Saturday morning and you'd be sitting on the couch with my Dad having a cup of coffee. I remember how excited I was to see you in your uniform and the patrol car in the driveway with your trainee scratching reports. You inspired me to want to become a deputy sheriff. SEE YOU SOMEDAY IN HEAVEN! BLESSED ARE THE PEACEKEEPERS!
Aunt Kathi and Cousin Kevin, may you both find peace in your hearts knowing that Uncle John is in a better place. XOXOXO

ROB SHUPE

March 5, 2009

A BROTHER IS THE PERSON WE PRACTICED ON. THE PERSON WHO TAUGHT US ABOUT.... FAIRNESS AND CO-OPERATION, KINDNESS AND QUITE OFTEN THE HARD WAY. THANKS FOR BEING MY 1ST REAL FRIEND, I WILL CHERISH THE MEMORYS OF OUR CHILDHOOD TOGETHER
(THIS WAS MEANT FOR YOUR GET WELL CARD.. BUT TIME WENT SO FAST AND YOU WERE GONE BEFORE I KNEW IT)

Armando Garcia

March 4, 2009

Dear Kathy:

May the loving memories of John bring comfort, strength and peace in your time of need; with deepest sympathy and loving prayers to you and your loved ones.

Nicki Webster

March 4, 2009

Last one to heaven, brings the celebratory Cake and Ice Cream, celebration will take place in the special garden created for Mom. We'll have no woes or worries, no aches and pains. Kathy, I sure that what you have been through could not have been easy. God Bless you and your family.

RWI

March 4, 2009

John was one of the most professional deputies I ever had the honer to learn from. He was a real "crime fighter" who went after the real bad guys and didn't sweat the small stuff. The kind of law enforcement that John practiced is sadly lacking today. He will be missed.

HELEN PERKINS

March 3, 2009

JOHN I LOVE YOU LOVE HELEN

Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results