Jack Lewis Shaw Sr.

Jack was born July 16th, 1931 in Edmond, OK. He was the fourth and last remaining child of Mercer and Louise Stevens Shaw, and had three older brothers Dr. Mercer Shaw, DMA, Reverend William G. Shaw, Jimmie Lee Shaw, Sr. and one younger sister, Betty Shaw Hayden. The entire family was musically gifted and has brought much joy throughout many generations. Jack’s first eight years were spent growing up on a farm until the family moved into town, where Jack enjoyed “Nickel Buddy Night” at the movies. They lived in Edmond until Jack was 16, and they moved to Oklahoma City where he graduated from Central High School in 1950.

He then went into the Air Force in 1950 where he served in the Korean Conflict as an Engine Change Mechanic, and traveled the world until he was honorably discharged four years later. Soon after he went to work for the City of Oklahoma as a Water Purification Operator. He met his co-worker Tom’s sister Mary Ann Mitchell when he spotted her in yellow shorts walking out her back door, and he knew he had met his future wife. They married April 5, 1958, bought a home and joined Calvin Presbyterian Church where Jack served as Elder and Deacon, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School.

They soon welcomed daughter Valerie and son Jack Jr, and it wasn’t long after that they moved to Arizona where Jack landed a position as Water Purification Operator at the Verde Filtration Plant where he worked for 29 years until retiring in 1993. Nearby housing within walking distance of the plant was provided by the City of Phoenix, and the family, initially including Jack’s nephew Jimmie Shaw Jr and niece Sheila Shaw Armstrong, grew up with panoramic views of breathtaking scenery including the confluence of the Verde and Salt Rivers, Four Peaks, Red Mountain and the surrounding McDowell Mountains. They joined First Presbyterian Church where Jack continued as Elder, choir member and Sunday School teacher. He also became a Master Mason and served for many years as Associate Guardian for Job’s Daughters Bethel #7 Scottsdale. He had a powerful and beautiful tenor voice that he shared in many thrilling solos throughout the years.

He later welcomed grandchildren Jack Shaw III (Kim), Sarah Cerese (Mike), Helena Fuentes (Tristan), Mike Ruiz, Joshua Krusseff and Shane Swift, great grandchildren Weston Shaw and Jacob Shaw. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews whom he stayed in contact with throughout his life. He was a big fan of ASU Football and Phoenix Suns Basketball. He enjoyed camping, motorcycles / sandrail, floating the river, dominoes and playing pool. He gave countless gallons of blood to United Way. He loved to travel and with Mary went to Europe and traveled to 45 states.

He touched many lives and will always be remembered for his generous spirit and youthful outlook on life. His compassion, warmth and sense of humor will live in on in the hearts of those who loved him so dearly. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 161 N Mesa Dr, Mesa, AZ. Reception immediately following.