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The Passing of John R. Shackleton​

November 22, 2022
USNPAA Life Member and Plankowner
The Passing of John R. Shackleton

Dear USNPAA Members,

I am very saddened to report the recent passing of Mr. John Shackleton. Being one of those “old timers," I have fond memories of John—an individual I consider an icon in the Navy Public Affairs Community. 

I began working with John back in the 1970’s when I was a mere youngster on the CHINFO News Desk. John was the PAO at NAS Moffett Field. Whenever I called him for input on a news query or a question about the P-3 community, John was incredibly responsive. I was always impressed with how much he knew about P-3s and their operational capabilities. In fact, he was so knowledgeable that he almost never said, “I’ll get back to you.” He knew the information—along with some important background that offered an important perspective. He was clearly always on top of things. When I became the AIRPAC PAO and then CINCPACFLT PAO years later, I found John to still be the consummate PAO. I will always associate two words with John—integrity and professionalism.

Living and working in the Bay Area is not an easy assignment for any public affairs official. But John was a master at nurturing and maintaining relations with the civilian community. Noise always seemed to be an issue with the community at NAS Moffett. But John ensured the Navy was a welcome neighbor during its tenure there. Mike Sherman, another John Shackleton admirer, reminded me that John was a bastion in the Bay Area’s PRSA chapter. 

When I think of John, I will always consider him to be one of my mentors. John did not have to wear a Navy uniform to be a mentor, guide, teacher or leader. John was just as much “Mr. Navy” as anyone who wore the uniform. And I was especially impressed with the respect the operators had for John. You could tell they, too, trusted him impeccably. He was one of those individuals who exemplified the phrase, “When John Shackleton spoke, everyone listened.” Everyone he touched had the utmost respect for him.

I know John leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family. Our thoughts are with them during this most difficult time—especially as we enter the holiday season. 

Tom Jurkowsky
President

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