Jack Shoemaker

His parents were Paul Shoemaker and Anna Meklos Shoemaker of Phoenixville, PA

Jack was a widower(Frances) and had four children-Rick Shoemaker, Suzanne Shoemaker Hill(deceased), Tom Shoemaker and Sally Shoemaker Scott(Randy). His grandchildren were Rebecca Hill Turner(Wade), Kate Hill Russell(Josh), Zack Scott, Austin Scott and Ben Scott. His great grandchildren are Logan Turner, Blake Turner(deceased), Ryleigh Turner, Savannah Russell and Kennedy Russell. His siblings are Paul "Lefty" Shoemaker(Helen) and Patricia Gnias(Dan), along with niece Judy Krassowki, and nephews Paul Shoemaker(Nancy), Daniel Gnias(deceased), David Gnias(Cindy) and Dennis Gnias(Beth).

Jack grew up during the depression which shaped his views on saving money and after high school decided to join the army. He was a staff sergeant in WWII in the 87th Infantry and was awarded a Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. He also received a Bronze Star for Valor during the Rhineland Campaign. Jack always wondered why he survived the war when so many didn't, which led him to appreciate the life he was given and to live it well. After the Army he attended UF on the GI bill and was active in Sigma Nu, Florida Blue Key and many other organizations.

A highlight was being editor of the Florida Alligator which sparked his lifelong interest in journalism and writing which included being a sportswriter for the Florida Freshwater and Game Commission as well as writing his life story which is treasured by family and friends. His first job out of college was Publicity Director for the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. Jack then moved to Tallahassee where he worked for the State Legislature and then the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. In Tallahassee, Jack was introduced to Frances White and soon they married. After starting a family, he and Fran then decided he would go to Law School at age 40, and he went on to graduate from Cumberland School of Law.

He was very proud of his time in the military and a highlight was to go on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2013. He worked hard to provide for his family, raising his children in Tallahassee with his wife Fran. Jack was very generous with his time and his resources and was very active in many organizations. He enjoyed gardening after retirement from the State of Florida(Dept of Agriculture) and enjoyed sharing many vegetables with families and friends each year. Jack's Catholic Faith was very important to him and he was a long time and very involved member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church where he was a 4th degree and Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus.

He was very active in the men's group and always counted on to sell the most fundraising tickets at any event. He always had a smile on his face and had many friends. Many counted on Jack to "get things done and done well". Being involved in Boy Scouts as a youth and as adult leader was very important to him, noting many skills he learned which helped him in combat and in life.

Another highlight was going to Philmont with his son Tom. He lived life to the fullest enjoying time on the Golf course with his many golfing buddies, going to many Gator games, time at Alligator Point with family and friends and traveling the world when he could. Some of his favorite trips were to Hawaii, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Scandinavia and China.

He taught his children and grandchildren many lessons of life and always made time to share a story or a lesson he had learned. He moved to Gainesville in 2018 to be closer to his daughter Sally and her family. He will be remembered and missed by many.