John "Jack" James Mcshane

HORSEHEADS – John James “Jack” McShane, age 91, of Appleridge Senior Living, passed away on Thursday March 7, 2024, with the love and support of family by his side.

Jack was born to Thomas and Louise (Weirs) McShane in Cooperstown, New York. After graduating from Richfield Springs Central School, he worked at the A&P Tea Company. He also drove a bulk tank truck for Dairyman’s League before working until retirement for the Otsego County Highway Department. Jack was known to gently advise, “If you have a trade, you will always have a job.”

He is survived by his sister Sharon Ernenwein of Rome, stepdaughter Catherine DeWater of Horseheads; three grandchildren, Michael DeWater (Cherie) of Livonia, Carrie Tournour (Chris) of Horseheads, and Steve DeWater also of Horseheads; four great-grandchildren, Madison and Kaitlyn DeWater, Riley and Lauren Tournour; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife Leona, Jack was preceded in death by his brother Donald and sister-in-law JoAnn, half brother Thomas McShane, brother-in-law James Ernenwein and his son-in-law, Gifford DeWater.

Jack was polite, kind, and easy to like. He enjoyed reminiscing about the old homestead in Springfield Center where he lived happily with his wife Leona Julia (Reis) McShane. He liked to remember her chocolate fudge, fishing trips up into Canada, and competing in horseshoe pitching leagues. His wood shop was a meeting ground for camaraderie and beautiful makings: a dining room table, cabinetry, and grandfather clocks that will continue to keep time for generations to come. Jack loved to be outdoors. Whether mowing down dandelions with his tractor in the late spring or chipping away ice from the slanted driveway while recovering from a hip replacement surgery, he could always be found hard at work on a project outside – weather not permitting! Jack was of the “Old Guard” which was characterized by grit and a quiet strength of will. And he had a sweet tooth. He savored homemade blueberry pie. He liked his coffee black. “Well sometimes” he’d say with a smile and a hint of mischief in his voice, “I like to put a little Bailey’s Irish Cream in it.” An absorbed reader of books, a fan of the New York Yankees, and sometimes a pool player. Jack liked to kid around and laugh with children. His chuckle had a way of making you feel pretty good. Whenever he was he made friends of the neighbors. He was an honest to goodness down to earth man. A real good guy. A gentleman. May we all be so fortunate to be remembered so well.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bethany Manor who cared for Jack. We are exceedingly grateful.

Calling hours will take place from 11:00am to 1:00pm on June 1, 2024 in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs with a service immediately to follow. Interment will be in Springfield Center Cemetery.

Ar dheis De' go raibh a anam

("May he be on the right hand of God")