JP was born on September 13, 1945 at St. John’s Hospital in Salina, KS to AJ and Irma (Stuck) Shanahan. After serving 3 years in the US Army, he was united in marriage to Lucinda (Barba) Shanahan on August 17, 1968 in Concordia, KS. JP and Cindy enjoyed 54 wonderful years together.
He worked as a construction and engineering coordinator for Southwestern Bell from which he retired in 2006 after 36 years. He joined the Missouri National Guard in 1990 so that he could serve with his two sons. JP served two deployments including a year of combat in Iraq where he was awarded two Army Commendation Medals, before (begrudgingly) retiring in 2007. He loved the Guard so much that he often said he would have continued serving for free if not for the age limit. JP was a HUGE fan of KU basketball and was thrilled with their national title victory last April. His other interests included boating and camping, playing pool, and he was an avid reader of spy novels. Sometimes finishing a book in one or two days. His greatest joy was his 12 grandchildren. There were always at least a few of them running through grandma and papa’s house.
JP was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Debbie, Sally, Nancy, Deanna, Carolyn and Jan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Cindy of the home, daughter Michelle Orth (Scott) of Raymore, JP Shanahan III (Tonya) of Colorado Springs, CO, Michael Shanahan (Jessica Fields) of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Shawna Sayar (Alper) of Overland Park, KS.
He leaves grandchildren Alex Berkovich (Krissy), Ana Berkovich, Reagan Orth, Kelley Shanahan, Meghan Shanahan, Emily Shanahan, Brynlie Shanahan, Ireland Shanahan, Aiden (AJ) Shanahan, Shelby Phelps, Ata Sayar and Nira Sayar.
He also leaves behind sisters Sue, Judy, Kathleen, and Jeannie, brothers Bill (“Bro”) and Tony, and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at St. Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza for their gentle and attentive care. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org) in JP’s name.
Honorary pallbearers are Alex Berkovich, Aidan Shanahan, Ata Sayar, Scott Orth, Alper Sayar and Zane Canada.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022 at St. Sabina Catholic Church, 700 Trevis Ave., Belton, Missouri 64012. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a prayer service and family comments starting at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278
