John Jay Shaw
Obituary
John Jay Shaw, 73, passed away Friday, April 15, 2022. He was born Sept. 25, 1948.
John was born in Salinas to parents Christine Sunkler and J.V. Shaw. John attended local schools through Hartnell; the then transferred to Cal Poly SLO, where he earned a degree in Agriculture Business.
He worked in the Salinas area at Pajaro and Sunnyside nurseries. In 1974, he married Susan Rianda and they moved to Kern County, where they started their family. He worked at the Tejon Ranch as a row crop foreman.
John was driven for success and decided owning a business would be a more fulfilling path. Starting in 1975 and over the next two years, he purchased three businesses, including the Sno-White Drive-In, Dari-Delite and the Fiesta Bowling Alley, all in Taft. After 10-years of owning and operating businesses, he wanted to get back into Ag.
John and his family moved back to Salinas and he became a rancher full time. John spent the past 30-years living the way he wanted, managing cattle and ranching operations across four counties while investing in real estate across California.
When his grandchildren came along, he really enjoyed their company. First Sarah with her love of horses; then Gavin and Emerson with their sporting activities. John's favorite things were family gatherings and spending time in nature. He passed away of pneumonia surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Shaw; and four children: Laura Schoenweiler (Bruce), Justin Shaw (Jodie), Jonsen Shaw, Sandy Brusch (from a previous marriage); three grandchildren: Sarah Wilson Shaw, Gavin and Emerson Schoenweiler.
Predeceased by parents, Christine and J.V. Shaw; and son, John Jason Shaw from a previous marriage.
Services will be Wednesday, April 27 at 12:00 p.m. at Struve and Laporte Chapel on 41 W. San Luis Street in Salinas; followed by burial in the Gonzales Cemetery off the US 101 in Gonzales, Calif.
Donations in his memory can be made to John Steinbeck House, mailed to 132 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901.
Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · April 26, 2022