With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Lynn “Shoe” Shoemake, Sr., a devoted father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, who passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 81, just three months shy of his 82nd birthday. Born in Jackson, MS, he worked as a geologist, meteorologist, and oceanographer. He served 26 years in the United States Navy. Shoe was a true patriot and was known for his generosity, humility, and servant heart.

On May 3,1968, John married the love of his life, Betty Carol Alexander. They enjoyed many years together raising their sons, supporting their sons’ teams, and serving their communities until her passing in 2005.

During his time in the Navy, Shoe rose through the ranks from an enlisted man to a Lieutenant. He spent over 20 years as a certified weather analyst/forecaster and many years as a certified observer from the Arctic to Antarctica. He accumulated over 1500 flight hours over the Polar Regions gathering scientific data. He was honored to have a mountain peak in Antarctica named after him, Shoemake Nunatak.

After his retirement from the Navy, he worked in the department of meteorology at Jackson State University. He was a great supporter of JSU and an encourager of students in the department. He assisted the students in gaining internships and helped establish JSU as a “Cooperative Weather Observing Site.”

Shoe was an avid follower and supporter of many baseball and softball programs in Lawrence, Lincoln, and Copiah Counties. You could usually find him at a ballpark. From coaching his sons in youth baseball to watching his grandsons play, he spent much of his time enjoying the game. He and his beloved wife, Betty, supported Lawrence County sports for most of his life. His most recent love was Co-Lin softball. He spent many hours at practices, at games, and repairing gloves. He cherished his relationships with many players, coaches, families, and fans. Those who knew him and shared his passion will remember him for his knowledge, dedication, and support of the game.

He is survived by his sons, John (Mary) Shoemake, Jr. and Alex (Dana) Shoemake, his grandsons Brooks and Braxton Shoemake, his siblings Donald (Donna) Shoemake, Sue (Chuck) Weimer, and Karen Shoemake Gondan, his sister-in-law Cheryl Alexander, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He will also be missed by his canine companion Beau.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Broyles and Dorothy Kemp Shoemake, an infant daughter, sister-in-law Dianne Bourne, brothers-in-law Harold Bourne and Jimmy Alexander, and nephew-in-love Reed Nunnelee.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Wilson Funeral Home in Monticello, MS, at 1pm. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 5-8pm and on Friday from 12pm until the time of the service at Wilson Funeral Home.

The graveside service will be held at Jayess Baptist Church Cemetery in Jayess, MS, following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mac Dale Memorial Park Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.