“My name is Jack, and I’m an alcoholic.” Spoken in his booming bass voice, is how thousands were introduced to John “Jack” James Shaw. Who at age 75 of Belleville, passed away on October 17, 2023. He was born on March 23, 1948 in Royal Oak to Robert and Joyce Shaw. He leaves both a huge hole in our hearts and a legacy that will live on for generations.

Jack was the beloved husband of Elaine for 32 years. Loving father of Tracey (the late Kyle) Solomon, John (Melissa) Shaw Jr. and stepfather of Joshua (Emily) Ewart. He was the proud grandfather of Michael, Matthew and Noah Solomon, and Jacob, and Nova Ewart. Former Husband of Pamela (Tom) Johnson (Marinelli) Dear brother of Lisa (Rod Turk) Shaw, Kim (Mike) Davis, and the late Pamela Shaw. He was the much-loved uncle of Christian and Danielle Bajusz.

Jack was a Marine who served his beloved country in Vietnam, stationed in Okinawa. He retired from General Motors. He attended Schoolcraft College and later in life University of Detroit Mercy, focusing on addiction recovery.

Since becoming sober in December of 1988, Jack devoted his life to sobriety and helping others escape the hell that is addiction. He led tables, meetings, made coffee, scrubbed up messes and kept the Northwest Alano Club open and serving addicts for decades. Jack could often be found on Sunday mornings at Brighton Hospital, sharing his story of recovery and hope. Jack was a straight shooter with a tender heart. He knew how to both challenge people who needed challenging and encourage those who needed kind words of encouragement. Jack made a difference. Every day.

Jack had a smile and kind word for everyone he met. From Meijer to AA meetings, he made people feel noticed in the best possible way. Jack knew when and how to make people laugh.

Jack had a deep passion for the outdoors. He fished like his sanity depended on it... (He would say: Because it did.) He loved to walk the woods and small game hunt. Jack loved to garden and care for his yard. He loved his little pooch, Missy.

If you combined Gandalf, Dumbeldore, The Wizard of Oz, Moses and the Dalai Lama….you’d have Jack Shaw. Random factoid: Jack played a Quadling in the 2013 adaptation “Oz the Great and Powerful.” His personality shone so brightly that they had to adjust scenes so he didn’t outshine the stars…to say he was a commanding presence is putting it mildly.

That presence will be missed, but the memories live forever.

Jack Shaw lived the Serenity prayer.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change; (Jack knew and did the work to accept things he couldn’t change)

Courage to change the things I can; (Jack- was a man of courage who changed the things he could.)

And wisdom to know the difference. (Jack was wise and learned to know the difference. Most of the time:)

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time; (Jack embodied living and savoring each day)

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; (Jack struggled through hardships and found peace.)

Taking, as He did, this sinful world (Jack knew the world was messed up.)

As it is, not as I would have it; (He didn’t pretend any different.)

Trusting that He will make things right (He knew the things that were beyond his control were within Gods)

If I surrender to His Will; (Jack lived a surrendered life.)

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life (Jack was a joyful man. His laugh shook walls and warmed hearts.)

And supremely happy with Him (He is.)

Forever and ever in the next.

Amen.

We are convinced that Jack is currently leading a meeting in heaven, most likely riverside while fish jump in the background…probably with a fishing pole in one hand and a coffee cup in the other…

Only now he introduces himself like this:

‘Hi, I’m Jack. I’m a recovered Alcoholic.”

Forever and ever in the next - we love you, Jack Shaw. Well done.

Memorial gathering for Jack will be held on Saturday, November 4th, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with Promises and prayers led by Mr. Mark Cox at 7:00 p.m., at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton.

Memorial donations in Jack’s name may be directed to Alcoholic Anonymous Area 33 Southeast Michigan.