- 120 North Illinois Street – Belleville, IL 62220
- (618) 233-5400
John Shively
John was born and raised in Belleville. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1961 and Belleville Junior College with an Associate of Science Degree. He graduated from SIUE with a BS in Math in 1965. Following graduation from SIUE, John taught at Belleville Township High School from 1965 to 1967. John received a Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Missouri in 1968.
On 20 June 1969 John joined the U.S. Army. He was a missile control officer at Yongsan Army Base in Korea, and achieved the rank of Sergeant (E5). While serving, he met the love of his life Kim. Upon completion of his term of service, John began teaching in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS). He would spend the next 33 years teaching students at various places including Seoul American High School, Korea, Kadena High School on Okinawa, Wagner Middle School on Clark AFB, Philippines, Edgren High School in Misawa, Japan, and Hohenfels High School in Germany.
While assigned to DoDDS, John received his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Southern California on July 19, 1980. Over the course of his career and on two continents he also taught math to military personnel for the University of Maryland.
Upon retirement, John and Kim returned to Belleville. He loved being an educator and began teaching at SWIC. Over the span of John’s teaching career, he taught thousands of students. Many have contacted his family and said Dr. John improved their attitude about mathematics and enabled them to go on to promising careers in science, engineering, psychology, medicine and education.
John was a very proud Army Veteran and member of the Catholic War Veterans, Butz-Jobe Post 370 and served as Post Commander, Treasurer, and Trustee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis E. and Mary Catherine, nee Eisemann, Shively; a son, Michael Shively; and a brother, Joseph Shively.
Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Kim Chongsun Shively;
a daughter, Catherine (Cat) Shively;
a son-in-law, Brian Shapiro;
his siblings, Betty (Neale) Fadden of Collinsville,
Jim (Kate) Shively of Belleville, IL,
Tom (Barb) Shively of O’Fallon, IL,
and Mary (Chuck) Smith of Belleville;
and his sister-in-law, Bev Shively of Belleville.
John was highly respected and loved by his numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The list of individuals he called “friend” is very long, and their friendship is greatly appreciated by his family.
John’s love of teaching and education was only surpassed by his love for his family. He was a shining example of what it means to be a devoted and loving husband and father. Of the thousands of lives he has touched, none feel more blessed than his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Catholic War Veterans, Butz-Jobe Post 370, to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2017, and from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. A Catholic War Veterans Ritual Ceremony honoring John will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Funeral: Funeral procession to leave at 9:40 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2017 from George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Belleville, for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, with Msgr. Bill McGhee, Fr. Christopher Anyanwu, and Rev. Kenneth York officiating.
Interment will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For John Shively
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kim and all the family. We have nice memories of John and family while in Okinawa.
God Bless,
Dan and Carolyn
Dan and Carolyn Baughman, Culver, IN, 46511
Dear Shively family,
I will keep your in my prayers. Mr Shively will be missed forever. Rip Mr Shively.
Lisa Willett, Bowie, Md, 20715
I am so sorry to read about John’s death. I have many fond memories of working for him at Wagner Middle School. My sympathy to Kim and Catherine in this great loss. I feel privileged to have known him. Mary and Roger Baskett
Mary Baskett, O’Fallon, Illinois, 62269
All who knew him came to love and admire him, a kind and gentle man who cared deeply for his fellow man.
Bill Fillman, O’Fallon, IL, 62269
All who knew him came to love and admire him, a kind and gentle man who cared deeply for his fellow man.
Bill Fillman, O’Fallon, IL, 62269
Dr. Shively was an amazing teacher and friend! I had him at SAHS in Korea and he made me understand and love basic math skills that I would use through my life! My thoughts and prayers to all those that loved him! May you know he’ll always be alive in the hearts of so many! Sending you all many prayers and much love!
Tammy Prince Murdock, Fergus Falls, MN, 56537
Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in addition to a Sympathy Card sent to home address. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) (888 767-6738) for you. The NARFE Service Center is located in the Civilian Personnel Office, building 50, 201 W Winter St, Scott AFB. You may visit the Service Center on Tuesdays, 10AM to 2PM or call 618-256-9350. You may leave a voice mail message at other times and we will return your call the following Tuesday. You may also call either of our Service Officers, Dean Hemmer at 618 233-3819, or Gene Wiggins at 618 566-7980 for immediate assistance if required.
Gene Wiggins, Mascoutah, IL, 62258-1318
We are sorry for your loss. John was a good friend He will be missed.
Bob/holly Schindler , Kelso, Mo, 63758
Kim and Cat, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of John, one of this world’s true gentlemen. He was a dear friend, golfing buddy, and part of the Friday night gang, on Okinawa for years. A great teacher, who loved his students, and they loved him back. I will always remember John and his kind gentle soul. May time allow you to replace the pain you are experiencing now, with fond memories of better times in the past shared with John. Thinking of you, Ed
Ed Stevens, Simsbury, CT, 06070
Our world is a better place because John passed our way. With great appreciation, John, for your service to God, Family, country, and so many other in our community and around t he globe. Thanks for using the great gifts God gave you to service others.
Fr. Gene Neff, New Baden, IL, 62265
I last saw John at the funeral for our friend and classmate, Bob Nold. He spoke of his continued teaching work and I was really pleased to have had the opportunity to see him. Sincere condolences t all.
Don Hagler
Donald J. Hagler, Rochester , Mn, 55906
My deepest sympathy to John’s wife and family. John and I were high school classmates and sports teammates. One could always find a smile and good word from John when needed. He will always be remembered as a kind and gentle person.
Gary Schneider, Springfield, i, 62711