John Shields

November 10, 1930 – May 17, 2021

We will miss you!

John Duncan Shields, age 90 of Los Altos, passed away on May 17, 2021.

Born in Atlanta, GA on November 10, 1930 to Dr. Harold and Martha (Slocumb) Shields, John graduated from Hampden Sydney College, and earned an MBA from Santa Clara University. John's Navy career eventually took him to the west coast where he built a strong career as a Vice President of Marketing/Sales in the Defense Industry (Varian Associates). Continuing his naval career as a Reserves Officer, John retired as a Captain.

John met Kay Hellstrom, a flight attendant for TWA, while flying back from his father's funeral. They soon married in 1959 in Providence, RI and moved to the Bay Area to start their family.

John will always be remembered for his love of his family, devotion to his faith community, and service to his country. John had a calming spirit and genuine interest in travelling and meeting people. He loved getting together with friends and family, enjoying social activities with his neighbors on Edmonds Way in Sunnyvale, the Oxbow Marina, and the Terraces of Los Altos.

Later in life, John was active in his local Sons in Retirement group, captain of his balloon volleyball team and zoom worship coordinator at the Terraces of Los Altos.

John was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers, Harold Jr. Shields, William Shields, Gordon Shields and Ronald Shields.

John will be forever remembered by his wife of 62 years, Kay, their two children, Bruce (Pam) Shields and Lisa (Steve) Nasstrom, grandchildren Jaqueline, Nick, Cory, Kendra, Kayla, and great grandchildren Noel, Anthony, Neveah, Natalie, and Andrew. Services are planned for this fall.