Jack Brown Shellabarger

San Diego, CA : Jack Shellabarger died at age 85 after a 3 month illness. He was born in Lafayette, IN and was raised in Lake Bluff, Illinois. He headed west for college, graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in Finance in 1957. Upon graduation, Jack attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and served on active duty with the US Navy as an Air Intelligence Officer for 4 years, continuing with the Ready Reserve for 4 year after settling in San Diego and pursuing a business career. Jack married his high school sweetheart, Kay McCarthy, in November of 1957 and when they eventually settled in San Diego, they remained and raised their children, Susan and Jay.

After release from Naval active duty, Jack joined Travelers Insurance Co. in 1961 and became a Fidelity and Surety Bond specialist in their San Diego office. He then joined Barney and Barney, a prominent local insurance agency in 1964, branched out into commercial property and casualty insurance, and became a partner in 1972. During this period, Jack was active in the Family Service League, SD County Insurance Agents and Brokers Assoc., Associated General Contractors of America, among other organizations. Always a fun loving guy, he enjoyed jogging, golf, tennis, boating with the family and frequent trips to their vacation home in Borrego Springs.

Upon retirement in 1992, Jack dedicated his life to church volunteering and helping others. He was an active member of Rancho Bernardo Community Church and served as Elder, sang in the Chancel Choir, helped with Administration, Finance and Stewardship and he and wife, Kay, were actively involved in Carpenter’s Fellowship, a hands-on group that supports those in need in their local community. Having lost their son, Jay in his early 20’s (1988), Jack and Kay focused their energies on helping others and leading a Christ centered life. They were also often found at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo playing golf and socializing with their many friends, and hosted family and friends in Borrego Springs.

Jack Shellabarger is remembered as a kind, selfless, positive, Christian man and he touched many lives. His key morals were following Christ and the Bible, supporting family and friends, honesty, hard work, integrity, a positive attitude and goal setting. He was an amazing son, husband, friend, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. His 3 grandchildren were his delight and he was thankful they grew up nearby.

Mr. Shellabarger was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Ardelle Shellabarger, son, Jay Shellabarger (1988), wife Kay Shellabarger (2009), and recently, brother Jerry Shellabarger of Tampa, FL (4/4/20). He is survived by daughter, Susan (Shellabarger) Hering and husband, Paul of Poway, CA and his grandchildren, Bradley (and wife, Elaina) of San Diego, Jenna Hering (Los Angeles) and Scott Hering (San Diego), nephew Mark Shellabarger and family of Tampa, FL, and niece Kathy (Shellabarger) Neukamm and family of Tampa, FL.

A private, family graveside service will be held soon and when larger gatherings are allowed, a Celebration of Life will be held in Jack’s honor at Rancho Bernardo Community Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jay Shellabarger Memorial Scholarship at Point Loma Nazarene University, ATTN: Steve Seelig PLNU 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, CA 92106 or at the PLNU website under the endowed scholarship list.