- Date Of Birth: February 27, 1949
- Date Of Death: December 11, 2009
- State: Illinois
Jerry Michael Shanahan, 60, of South Jacksonville, IL died Friday, December 11, 2009 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL following a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer.
He was born February 27, 1949 in Jacksonville; the son of Francis and Mabel Nelson Shanahan. He married Sue Ellen Murphy on June 8, 1974 in Jacksonville and she survives.
He is also survived by four daughters, Audrey Burnett of Shelbyville, TN, Kate Shanahan of Chicago, Kelsey and Kacy Shanahan, both of Normal; a granddaughter, Amie Burnett of Shelbyville, TN; a sister, Mary Lou Owen (husband, John) of Springfield; several cousins, nieces, and a nephew; two aunts, Irene Hoffman and Marjorie Shanahan, both of Jacksonville; his father-in-law, Jerry B. Murphy of Jacksonville; and three sisters-in-law, Mary Thomas and Grace Doolin, both of Jacksonville and Jeanette Murphy of Leander, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Margaret Murphy, and a brother-in-law, Patric Murphy.
Mr. Shanahan graduated from Routt High School in 1967, attended SIU at Edwardsville, and graduated from the University of Missouri at Rolla in 1984. After high school, Jerry was employed at Capitol Records and later served as manager of the Jacksonville McDonald’s restaurant in the early 1970’s. For the past 20 years, he has served as the office manager for Neff-Colvin Construction Company in Jacksonville.
An active sportsman, Jerry was a member of the Jacksonville Sportsman Club and the NRA. A devoted hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed shooting trap and hunting with his dogs. A talented chef, he had many favorite recipes for the game he brought home. His love of cooking led him to become a long time fan of Emeril Lagasee. During his trip to Las Vegas, he made certain it included a visit to Emeril’s restaurant. A Kottage Kafe regular, he always had a kind word and a joke for everyone. He will be remembered and greatly missed by numerous family and friends, especially his faithful beagle companion, “Buddy”.
