John Thomas Sheckherd

The Amazing Life of John T. Sheckherd

John Thomas Sheckherd

Born:  08/02/1965  Passed:  01/03/2025

Born in Columbus Ohio, John spent his early childhood as the poster child for Easter Seals Society.  When family moved to Santa Barbara in 1974 John continued with fund raising efforts through Jerry Lewis MDS telethons.  During a local telethon hosted by Desi and Lucie Arnaz, John had the good fortune of bumping into one of his idols, Evil Kneivel. John was a thrill seeker at heart from an early age.

The next move brought John and his parents to Arroyo Grande where John attended Judkins Middle School and Arroyo Grande High School.  John had interest in Track and Field sports so he became the manager for the track team.  John formed great friendships during high school many of which continue to this day.  During his senior year John did an internship to become a DJ.  After he graduated in 1984, he attended the Columbia School of Broadcasting in Hollywood.  He spun the disc with other DJ’s at local radio stations Kkal and Z93.  He delivered many a broadcast of the American Top 40.  John then moved onto internet sales and became a sports media buyer in San Luis Obispo.

John lived a rich and full life.  One never knew where he might show up; bonfires at Oceano Dunes, night fishing at Port San Luis pier, annual Halloween costume parties or playing Poker at a local card room.  Playing cards was another of John’s great pastimes.  He routinely played in Grover Beach and also big tournaments at Chumash Casino where he took 2nd place out of 1200 players, his prize was an entry into the 2004 World Series of Poker where he placed in the money at 132 out of 2576 entered.  Look it up at wsop.com, event #33.  His other passions were, Dodger baseball, Cowboys football, and the thrilling sport of Nascar, he favored Jeff Gordon whom he also met. It was at a gas station during one of the many trips to Vegas.

John’s final chapter in life took him to the Villa Maria care facility. Family would like to acknowledge and thank the many angels on earth that helped provide excellent care for John. With his quick wit and smooth charm John quickly made friends with lifelong bonds at the care facility as well. Sending a big “Thank You" to everyone for being such supportive friends.

John was preceded in death by his beloved mother Barbara Anne Sheckherd (01/12/1938 – 04/26/2024); He is survived by his father John (Bill) Sheckherd, brother Mark Sheckherd, sister and brother-in-law Lynne and Tim Girvin and many nieces and nephews and their children.

The family would love to hear stories you may want to share about our beloved John.

In leiu of flowers please consider a donation in John’s name to the your local Food Bank, 17 Strong or any charity of your choice.

God’s Blessings to all who cared for John, we know he will live on, in the hearts of many, forever!

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