Obituary of Elmer John "E.J." Shinn

Elmer John "Jack" Shinn, Jr., of Lodi, passed away in Lodi on September 3, 2007 at the age of 83. Mr. Shinn was a native of Lodi, born on February 16, 1924 to Elmer John, Sr. and Gladys Viola Shinn. He was self-employed at the family farm, Shinn Ranch, since he was a youngster. Mr. Shinn was educated in local schools and attended college. Early in his life he was called back to attend to the business of running the farm when his father passed away. His great passion in life was music. He played in many local bands, including the Stockton Symphony, and he was a gifted and excellent musician, playing many instruments. He enjoyed collecting antique instruments, trap shooting and guns. He had numerous awards for his abilities in trap shooting. Mr. Shinn was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Most importantly, he was surrounded by a closely knit family. He was part of the Turner Ray 4-H Club. He was a long-time member of the Woodbridge Masonic Lodge, and he attended United Congregational Christian Church in Lodi. He was a Board Member of Ray Unified School District and a Board Member and President of Woodbridge Vineyard Association. He also belonged to the Lodi Community Band as well as other various bands since he was in high school. He is survived by two sons, Bill (Sharon) Shinn and Steven (Sharon) Shinn, both of Lodi; three grandsons, Michael Shinn, Matthew (Evonne) Shinn and John Shinn; three great-grandchildren, Isaac, Adam and Lauren Claire; sister, Betty Carol ( Richard) King of Palm Desert; loving companion, Rosa Mae Hacker of Lodi and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Claire Shinn in 1987 and two brothers, Everett "Bud" Shinn and Jay Robert "Bob" Shinn. Friends are invited to visit Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. A memorial service celebrating Mr. Shinn's life will be held on Saturday, September 8th at 1:00 p.m. at United Congregational Christian Church in Lodi. Committal will be private. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial contributions be made in Mr. Shinn's name to Lodi Community Band, P.O. Box 2565, Lodi, CA 95241, United Congregational Christian Church, 701 S. Hutchins, Lodi, CA 95240 or donor's choice.