of Little Rock, AR
September 2, 1923 - January 4, 2023
Our father, John Horner Shields, went to heaven on January 4, 2023. John was born on September 2, 1923 and survived the Great Depression and landing on Easy Red Sector, Omaha Beach in Normandy during WWII. He married Ann Brizzolara on June 18, 1957.
He was blessed with the memory of an elephant, a genuine perspicacity, along with an alacrity of humor that was not appreciated by his children until later in life. He had to pick the five of us up from school one day because of an unexpected snowstorm and returned to his office with us in tow. We rapidly heard from the administrative assistants that our father was so funny. In almost unison, we all said "Our father?" in disbelief. Even at the end, when he was served a meal at the hospital that was less than desirable and the room cold, one of us commented that some of the equipment at the hospital was not working as to the temperature and almost immediately his comeback was "obviously that's the case in the kitchen as well".
Later in life, he reminisced about his time in the war where he was tricked into asking the supply sergeant for a pillow when he first arrived in England and was told that didn't exist and to tell his superiors to stop sending idiots also asking for left-handed hammers and striped paint. He joked how they were only given a day's training with a rifle before being handed their own carbines. He served in an Army Air Corps support unit for P-47 Thunderbolt fighter planes. He told how he had to run a POW camp filled with Germans, with no fence and with only an imaginary line the prisoners were not supposed to cross. Some of the Germans did not take the imaginary line seriously when my father informed them that he would not shoot them but the Polish officer he put on watch certainly would, which ended the incursions across the imaginary line.
After the war, he went to the University of Arkansas with only two pants and shirts, where he received his degree in business and was house mates with US Senator Dale Bumpers. He was a diehard Razorback Fan and never missed a home Little Rock game until his 90's. He served one year as the President of the Little Rock Razorback Club. After his Graduation, he parlayed his education into a very successful career in insurance, where he was Vice President and Chief Underwriter at First Pyramid in Life. When he retired, he decided to serve the state of Arkansas working at the Arkansas Insurance Commission until he was eighty.
John was appointed by the Governor of Arkansas to serve on many committees that included: Arkansas Revenue Budget Committee, Arkansas State Employees Insurance Committee, Early Childhood Development Committee, Arkansas Burial Insurance Board and State Building Commission.
He was a devout Catholic and was a very active member in the Knights of Columbus, serving as the Vice Supreme Master along with numerous other positions in the organization dedicated to charity. In 1941, He graduated from Catholic High School in Little Rock, where his four sons and four grandsons would all attend. He loved going to Rocket Games every Friday night for many years. He was awarded Alumnus of the Year and attended the alumni dinner as the oldest alumnus in 2022.
He loved and supported Ann and his five children to the very end, essentially dedicating his life to our well-being. We appreciate him passing on to us his fierce and stubborn sense of self determination and independence.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann; his five children, Jim (Donna Hodges), Debbie Papineau (Clem), Larry, Robert (Beth) and David (Kay); as well as 6 grandchildren, Tripp Papineau, Hunter Papineau, Jack (Missy) and Joe Shields, Shelby and Mary Agnes Shields.
The family would like to thank the staff at Presbyterian Village and Arkansas Hospice. In lieu of gifts, a donation to the Catholic High Alumni Foundation, with a humorous note, would be greatly appreciated.
John's visitation will be Monday, January 9, 2023 from 6:00-6:30pm, with Rosary to follow. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, at 2:00pm with Father Patrick Friend officiating. Interment will be at a later date.
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24 Condolence(s)
Reginald Rogers
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Mrs. Shields, Debbie, Jim, Larry, Robert, David and the Shields Family : I first had the good fortune to get to know Mr. Shields when we would attend Catholic High football games and other Catholic related events. He faithfully attended every game that he could. He always greeted me warmly when I would see him at those events. The last time that I saw Mr. Shields was at the Catholic High Alumni Dinner on October 13 , 2022. He received a standing ovation from over 600 attending Alumni as the oldest alumnus in attendance. Mr. Shields was a dedicated and strong supporter of Catholic education. Mr. Shields was a pillar of the insurance community in the State of Arkansas. He became a stalwart at the Arkansas State insurance Department. He was widely known as an authority on insurance issues in the State. Most importantly, he raised a wonderful family with his lovely wife. He supported his family all that he could. Mr. & Mrs. Shields instilled the timeless virtues of hard work, honor, and duty. Mr. Shields was dedicated to our beloved Country, our Catholic Faith and his Family. Well done Good and Faithful Servant ! May he Rest in the Peace of Christ with all of our Loved Ones who have ascended to Heaven ! Reg Rogers Catholic High Class of 1977
Charlie Horner
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Ann and family I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ve been out of town and didn’t hear about John until recently. My John rest in RIP
Mary Brizzolara Niedermeyer
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Aunt Ann and family, Jim and I are saddened by the news of Uncle John’s passing. John was always so enjoyable to be around at all the family gatherings.
The first time I met John was when Ann and John came to our Pine Manor house and John asked my dad for Ann’s hand in marriage. Such a wonderful memory! I remember it as such a special moment.
Cherish all your special memories of an extraordinary man!
You are all in our thoughts.
Mary and Jim
RóisÃn & Liam Diamond
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Debbie , Mrs Shields, and Family. We’re so very sorry for your loss. I pray for God to give you the strength and courage to help you through this sad time. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. X
Brock Thompson
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting mr Shields over the last couple of months and I was shocked to hear of his passing. Talking with him didn’t seem like I was talking to someone that was 100. It was a joy to meet and visit with him. Our conversation was mostly about the War and the many blessings he’d received over his years. An amazing man and outside his family, it just seem like they don’t make men like that anymore. I pray I can be half the man he was. I will celebrate his life and for the contribution he and his family have made. What a great family!
Concetta LoPorto Hall
Monday, January 9, 2023
Debbie, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Dad. I have such fond memories of your parents while we were at the Mount and also seeing them at CTK. My father has enjoyed seeing him once a month for lunch. He will be missed. All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dorothy Shearer
Monday, January 9, 2023
My deceased husband, Harris Shearer, worked with John at Arkansas Insurance Dept. for many years. They became buddies and I think hardest thing for Ins. Dept was keeping those two out of mischief. We were blessed to have known John and his sweet wife Ann and spend time with them occasionally. My sincere condolences to Ann and the family.
Herbert Thomas III
Monday, January 9, 2023
I moved back to Little Rock in 2013 and got to visit with John several times. He was an amazing person. I loved visiting with him. I know he will be greatly missed but I also know how fortunate all of us were to have him around for as long as we did.
Rosemary R. Hughes
Sunday, January 8, 2023
I met John at rhe St. Vincent Heart Rehab Clinic a few years ago. We would always visit about the people we knew from Pine Bluff, my home town. He was an inspiration to all of us "younger" (65 plus) patients. Our group had the pleasure of surprising him with a 95th birthday party a few years ago. This could not have happened with out his dear Ann helping us. My deepest synpathies to Ann and John's family.
Fred and Ursula Van Driesum
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Sincere condolences to John's family. I will miss our phone calls and our past friendship.
Rest in piece my friend.
Harvey Ricketts
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Ann and children, please accept my sympathy for your recent loss of John. I really enjoyed working with John at First Pyramid and considered all of you as friends. Sorry I am unable to attend his service but I am thinking of your family.
Harvey Ricketts
John S. Anthony
Sunday, January 8, 2023
I worked with John and received his help when I worked for Union Life of Little Rock. He was always available and helpful.
Lenita Blasingame
Saturday, January 7, 2023
John and I worked together for a number of years at the Arkansas Insurance Department and I was lucky enough to enjoy his warped sense of humor. He was like traveling with a professional tour guide. His memory was amazing. He seldom discussed his military service but the following is an exchange with him I will never forget. We were looking at the Statue of Liberty and I remarked “can you imagine being an immigrant and seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time†John’s response was “no, but I can tell you what it felt like to be a 18 year old boy on a ship leaving the harbor and wondering if I was seeing it for the last time.†A hug for you Ann and prayers for the rest of your family.
Cindy Asprey
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Condolences to the family in the death of a wonderful man. Uncle John will always hold a special place in my heart. I was so fortunate to visit Little Rock in 2007 and be shown many special areas by Uncle John and to meet his family. RIP, John
Jean Gordon
Saturday, January 7, 2023
John was an outstanding employee of the First Pyramid life Insurance Company. I often
heard my father (Heebert Thomas) mention him with the utmost pleasure and respect. It was a delight a few years ago when I discovered Ann and John shopping at Krogers and we often visited on Tuesdays. Recently When I ran into Ann shopping alone., I knew something was amiss.
I am amazed to learn he was 3 years older than I am. His energyk enthusiasm and good looks made him seem much younger. You Five children must have kept him young! I rtreasure the
short visits we had.
Judith Forte
Saturday, January 7, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. It’s difficult to lose a parent at any age. Much love and many prayers for your family.
Vince & Rosey Calderon
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Our sincerest condolences and many prayers for God’s comfort.
Rose & Tony Windham
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Sincere condolences to the entire family. An amazing an inspiring life.
Jan Cornil Burgie
Saturday, January 7, 2023
What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. Rest in peace Uncle John.
Jim Lites
Saturday, January 7, 2023
My condolences and prayers for John’s family.
Kelli Coulter Barclay
Saturday, January 7, 2023
What a wonderful tribute!
Greg Predmore
Saturday, January 7, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. Reading about John ‘s life above, shows he led such a great life. Again, my sympathies to Mrs Shields and the entire family.
Jeff Brizzolara
Friday, January 6, 2023
Uncle John was the best, thank you for taking me to catholic high football games.
Greg L Roberts
Friday, January 6, 2023
My sincere condolences to Jim and the entire family. May your father Rest In Peace.