John Thomas Sheehan

John Sheehan was born on June 27, 1951 and passed away on September 11, 2015 in Puerta Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. He was raised in Omaha, Nebraska by his parents, Dr. John Francis Sheehan and Grace O’Neil Sheehan who preceded him in death, along with a sister Ann, who passed away as a child.

John attended Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska and was a stand-out diver on the swim team. He received his BA in Journalism from Creighton University and afterwards served honorably in the Marine Corps. He also served in the Peace Corps from 1974 to 1976 in the South Pacific.

John’s career stateside had many highlights. Over the years, he excelled as an insurance salesman and transitioned into sales and client development at SRI Research Center, which later became the Gallup Organization. At SRI, he started out as Production Manager in 1977 and was soon named Executive Vice President, running operations and consulting with several of the biggest broadcasting companies in America. He was loved by his teams and colleagues as a great developer of people and as an extraordinarily fun-loving person.

After a successful career at SRI, John joined the executive team at Audience Research & Development, in Dallas, Texas in 1985. By 1988 he was named President and General Manager of AR&D, and his contributions helped pave the way for AR&D to become one of the premier television news consulting companies in the nation at the time. In 1991, he formed his own broadcast news consulting company that became known as Clemensen & Sheehan, and later Clemensen, Sheehan, Rovitto & Company, where he served as President for many years.

John’s humor, smarts, and spirited personality were the trademarks of his sales and management talent. His devotion to his clients was legendary but he reserved his greatest passion for his children. He was the light of their lives for many years and they were the light of his. He constantly regaled his clients and work colleagues with stories of his children’s accomplishments and loved recounting any humorous incidents in their lives. He filled their world with constant love, laughter, and a healthy dose of George Strait.

He leaves behind his children: Sean Sheehan of Tustin, California, Brien Sheehan of Plano, Texas, Grace Sheehan of Chicago, Illinois, and Tara Sheehan Kowsaluk and husband Rob Kowsaluk, of Los Angeles, California and two grandchildren Christina Sheehan and Daniel Kowsaluk. Also mourning his loss: Mele Cobb of The Colony and Nancy Sanders of Dallas.

In lieu of flowers or charitable contributions, the family asks readers of this obituary to always lend a hand and heart to an alcoholic and the affected family. It takes a willing addict to recover from this all-encompassing disease but it also, sometimes, takes a village to jumpstart that process. John’s family wishes to thank those who, selflessly, made an effort to help him in his battle. He will be forever loved and remembered for the good times and unmatchable spirit he shared with his loved ones and friends.

A private family Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, October 3rd. Following the service, there will be a reception for friends wishing to extend their condolences to the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest Reception Hall.