IOANC
Jack Shea
Jack Shea is one of our out-of-state IOANC Members from Indianapolis,
IN. He is always lighthearted, and a pleasure to be around. I asked Jack
how he became a supporter for both Northern and Southern California
Imperial Clubs. He shared that his good friend Bob Roeper, of the
Southern California Imperials Owners Club, (SCIOI) loved going to car
shows, and auctions as often as he could. It was he who invited Jack to his
first Imperial Statewide Meet. Jack completely enjoyed meeting new
friends, and attending the planned events while visiting California. He won’t
be at our 2011 Statewide Meet in Pacific Grove, but sends his best
regards to everyone.
Jack Shea was born April 28, 1930. He just celebrated his 81st birthday.. He was the youngest son in a
family of nine. He had four brothers and four sisters. Jack was born during the Depression, and his
family was extremely poor. However, Jack never shied away from hard work. At age 14, he went to work
in an Upholstery shop. He learned the craft very well. Growing up, he had a difficult time learning in
school. He was given the opportunity to go to a technical high school where he enjoyed the different
shop classes that were offered. He took Mechanical Drawing, because he was told if you were going to
build something you needed a design. He took Cabinet making, and Painting and Decorating to name a
few. Jack is extremely creative with his hands to this day. He would never hesitate to help his Dad paint
the house or do what needed to be fixed. He was drafted into the Army when he was 21 years old, and
sent to Anchorage, Alaska. He was only in the Army for a little while, when his family sent for him. His
Dad unfortunately got cancer, and the family needed Jack’s help to care for his Dad and the family while
his Mom worked. His Dad died at the young age of 60 years old. His family talked Jack into claiming
family hardship, and he agreed, never returning to Army duty. When Jack turned 58 1/2, he decided to
retire from work. He wanted to live to 61, one year longer than his dad. His for brothers unfortunately
also died at early ages, too. Jack recently had to take better care for his health, and as a result, he is
VERY happy to be 81. His Mom, died at 98, so he also attributes his long life to her side of the family.
Jack’s present home was bought for $8000 so many years ago. He continued to care for his Mom in
this home until the end of her long life. She had many celebrations of life while alive and well. On her
95th birthday, the family wrote down her special memories for her family posterity. I thought it interesting
enough for the members to read a few of her memories of life back in Indiana in the early 1900’s. (see
below)
Today, Jack looks back, and says
he continues to live a full and
WONDERFUL life because he is
surrounded by loving family and
friends. Jack never really had any
problems with his health. He never
drank or smoked. However, his visit
to the Doctor’s last year surprised
him. He found out he had diabetes.
His doctor said to stay away from
bacon, ham, white starchy foods
(potato, bread, pasta), and eat lots
of greens and lean meats. (The
darker greens were better). Jack
followed his Doctor’s advice to the
letter, and lost 40 pounds. His
energy level skyrocketed. He has
remodeled his home from top to
bottom. His Doctor says now his
sugar reading is below 92. Jack
looks great, and he continues to
have the energy to continue the
many projects he loves.
Jack receiving a honorary participation award
from Dave Labhard at our 2009 Statewide Meet
This beautiful piece of artwork, is Jack’s handy work.
He is pictured to the right with Roger Selby. These
photos were taken at the 2010 State meet.
Car Aficionado and Good Friend Bob Roeper invited Jack to
his first statewide Meet. Jack enjoys the gatherings a lot.