John Jack Shinn

John C. "Jack" Shinn, 79, of Livingston, Montana passed away, Wednesday, August 24th, 2016. He was born on August 31st, 1936, and raised in Livingston, Montana, the son of Richard and Alma (Venable) Shinn and brother of Beverley Prim, Dick Shinn, Patrick Shinn and Gerry Shinn. Jack joined the United States Air Force on May 14th, 1951, and served his country during the Korean Conflict, receiving an Honorable Discharge on June 30th, 1954. He worked as a Conductor for the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads for thirty plus years and was referred to fondly as "Captain Jack" by his crew. On April 24th, 1971, Jack wed Sharon Parker, in Livingston, MT where they lived their entire 45 years of marriage and raised daughter, Jacqueline, at their house on South 5th until 2006 when they built their dream home off of Old Clyde Park Road. Jack was very involved and dedicated to many fraternal organizations. He was a Past Master of the Livingston Masonic Lodge #32 and Venerable Master of the Scottish Rite. He joined Algeria Shrine Temple in 1973 serving as Potentate in 1991. He joined the Jesters in 1982 and was Director of the Court in 2001. He served as Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge of Assembled Masons of Montana in 2003. He also was Worthy Patron of Eastern Star with his wife Sharon by his side as Worthy Matron. Jack kept bees on his property, harvesting their honey and giving it away to family and friends. He was a voracious reader, always learning about new things that interested him. He was creative and enjoyed woodworking and tinkering around in his shop. He and his wife Sharon loved to dance, travel, go on cruises, and attend functions with their many friends. A memorial funeral service and Masonic Rites, will be held at 10:30 A.M., on Saturday, September 10th, at the Franzen-Davis Chapel (118 North 3rd Street, Livingston). Burial will follow the service at Mountain View Cemetery with Veterans Honors provided by American Legion Park Post #23 and Active Duty Air Force Honors Guard. A reception will follow the burial at the Livingston Elks Lodge. Memorials and donations can be made to Algeria Shrine Transportation Fund in Helena, 15 N Jackson St, Helena, MT 59601. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.