John F. Shiner

John F. (Jack) Shiner passed peacefully from this life surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren on December 30, 2020, at the age of 84. He was the guiding light of the Shiner family and will be incredibly missed by all of us.

Jack was a larger than life character. He was born December 18, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri. His family moved to Texas when he was 8, and he lived much of his life in Dallas. Jack attended Hillcrest High School, and later attended Southern Methodist University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Degree. He also served his country in the United States Air Force as a First Lieutenant, something he was very proud of to this day.

Powered by his exceptional work ethic, his professional career was impressive. After a brief time working his way up in the corporate world, he launched his first entrepreneurial endeavor, Telpar Services Incorporated. Jack met with great success creating diagnostic test software for large, mostly defense contractors. He was most proud of his accomplishments with NASA and his work on the Space Shuttle. Other clients of note were General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) where he won contracts to work on the F-16, and he also worked on McDonnell Douglas's F-15 and F-18 among others.

When he wasn't working hard, Jack enjoyed spending time shooting with friends and family, and was one of the longest running members of the Dallas Gun Club. He truly appreciated the friendship and camaraderie of fellow club members over the years. Jack was known as a real "crack shot" and won several club championship tournaments. He passed his love of the shooting sports on to his wife and children, and we all remember many great times with dad shooting and hunting.

Jack also loved the mountains. He appreciated a respite from the Texas heat by spending many of his summers in the cool mountain air of Red River, New Mexico, at his vacation home. In fact, when he retired he spent much more than just his summers in Red River, and perhaps this is where he was happiest. Nothing brought him greater joy than being in the mountains with his family, and we all have many fond stories of times spent riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, skiing, shooting and fishing together in and around Red River.

Jack's truest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Karen, son John and wife Rose, daughter Kristie and husband Rodney, son Tom, and grandchildren Graham, Abby, Murphy, John, and Lauren. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Air Force Aid Society, or the Gary Sinise Foundation. Due to Covid-19, the funeral will be for family only, but there will be a viewing and Rosary on January 5. The viewing will be from 7-8 pm and the Rosary will be from 8-9 pm.