Obituary of John E. Shepherd, Sr.

John E. Shepherd, Sr., 93, of Jackson passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch.  Jack was born and raised in Matawan.  He lived in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and Tuckerton, New Jersey before moving to Jackson in 2001.  Jack graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy and enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He served his country during World War II from 1943-1945.  After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Jack entered the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY and graduated in 1948.  He retired as a Freight Traffic Manager for American Export Lines, New York.  Jack was responsible for all ports on the Mediterranean Sea.  In retirement, he worked at the Racquet Place in Old Bridge, was a home health aide for ten years at Holy Redeemer Home Care, worked at Jackson Fitness Center and then for Meridian Health and Fitness Center in Jackson.  Jack was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Millstone Twp. 

Jack was predeceased by his first wife, Gertrude in 1984 and his brother, William Shepherd.  He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Shepherd of Jackson; a son, John E. Shepherd, Jr. of Little Egg Harbor; a daughter, Judith Lynn Shepherd of Shepherdstown, WV; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; stepchildren, Tara Kathleen Jones of Millstone, Shannon Mary Khulusi of Freehold, and Glenn George Patrick Garrison of Millstone; and six stepgrandchildren.

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with his funeral service to be held at 5:00 PM.  Interment will be private.  A Memorial Mass will be at a date and time to be announced.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.