John Shepherd

John David Shepherd of Ogden, Utah, passed peacefully on February 23, 2025, at the age of 81.

Son of John Morgan Shepherd and Genevieve Mitchell Shepherd, John was born on July 10, 1943, at the county hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He is survived by his sisters Margaret Jane, Betty Jean, and Karen Leslie; his brother Frank Mitchell Shepherd; his children David Todd, Tyler Allen, Amy Marie, John Adam; and over 130 descendants across four generations of John and Genevieve. His sister Alycesun Dee (Brimhall) Shepherd, Gale J. Brimhall, Marion (Hunsaker) Shepherd, Robert Eddington, Steven Shepherd, Debbie Shepherd, his son Jay Dee Shepherd, and his nephew David Shepherd preceded him in death.

Service was an essential part of his life, and he had the capacity to serve in many ways. He served his family while growing up in Hobble Creek Canyon, Utah, and Mesa, Arizona, where they had land that needed to be managed and many duties related to keeping that land safe and fruitful. At the age of 19, he served as a missionary in the Central States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He enjoyed the history of that region, had the opportunity to learn some Navajo, and loved the Native American tribes, traditions, languages, and music. Additionally, he served many others as he was a natural leader and an excellent teacher who listened to the spirit and spoke from the heart.

After his mission, he returned to Brigham Young University (BYU), where he studied Speech and Drama and earned a B.A. in Fine Arts. While at BYU, he introduced his mission companion and then-roommate Roger Harris to his sister Leslie, which led to a marriage and three amazing children: Laura Kristin, Jennifer Leslie, and Sarah Leilani. John was a talented artist who acted in many productions and was recognized for his performances. He was a lead performer with the traveling International Folk Dancers
and enjoyed dancing throughout his life. It was at BYU that he honed his skills in performance and the spoken word, which later served him in public speaking and leadership positions. He was often asked to perform Shakespeare plays and sonnets from memory on the spot or at special events, where he would slip into character.
While working on a master’s degree at BYU, John decided to take a class in Audio-Visual Arts, where he met the beautiful Bonnie Jean. The chemistry was instant, and after a few visits to Logan, where they both had family, John proposed to Bonnie at her grandmother Minnie Jane Thompson’s home in Logan, Utah. On March 16, 1968, he was married and sealed to Bonnie Jean Allen of Burley, Idaho, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mesa, Arizona Temple.

They pursued further education at Arizona State University, where John earned a master’s degree. Both became teachers in Fontana, California—Bonnie taught elementary students, while John taught high school English, gym, and debate. After many moves to different states, including Arizona, California, Virginia, Michigan, and Utah, John and Bonnie decided to divorce in March 1998. Having raised their
children together, they needed space as they had grown into separate individuals with differing needs.

After a few years of reorganizing his life, John began to rebuild. He was introduced to Susan Lee Wendahl of Franklin, Tennessee, by a close family friend. Their relationship started as pen pals and blossomed into true love and care. On February 22, 2003, John David and Susan Lee were married in a civil ceremony, and a year later, they were sealed in the Ogden, Utah, LDS Temple.

John David, as he was known by his siblings, foster siblings, and parents, was a curious, creative soul who believed in developing talents and practical skills. He continued to learn new things until his final breath. These talents, traits, and skills were passed through to his five children: David Todd, Tyler Allen, Amy Marie, John Adam, and Jay Dee. His creativity also extended to his children through marriage, including Tricia Ann Tippets, Todd Richard Tippets, Suzette Lee McArthur Shepherd, Ashley Heather
Orvin, and Jeffrey Allen Andrews. His grandchildren include Aleea Maree (married to Chandler McKell Paulsen), Jayde Elyse (married to Camden William Beers), Jaydee Adam, Allen Jeffrey “AJ,” Jefferson Tyler, Sarah Marie, Josephine, Eva Lynn, Nicole Ashley Rude’, Nicholas Andre Rude’, Anna Elizabeth (Tippets) Montgomery, Tanner Montgomery, and Andrew Todd Tippets.

He loved his family and heritage. Lineage was something he studied, and history fascinated him—not only in scripture but also through books, theater, music, and movies. Music was an integral part of his life, serving as both meditation and a source of joy as he appreciated the talents of others. His hobbies included horse training, riding, whispering, and breeding. Leatherworking was another skill of his—the
scent of bridles, saddles, boots, and belts filled his spaces. It was his style and a way of life, as he was a horseman. He was also a jeweler and enjoyed inventing things from items that most would discard.

Daily chores were a vital part of his sense of purpose, making him feel alive and productive. He extended this sense of responsibility to his family, friends, and others, as it was an ingrained part of his upbringing.

Many have personal stories about how John David Shepherd showed up for them in their moments of need. “CAN DO!” was his attitude, and being “POSITIVE” was his core belief. He encouraged his spouses, partners, children, clients, and others to use “I AM” affirmations to cultivate this “CAN DO!” approach to life. When faced with trauma or challenges, he found a way to be methodical and calm. His positive attitude carried him through many church callings, local government positions, community- building efforts, and countless acts of service.

A son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, counselor, coach, mentor, educator, storyteller, writer, radio talk show host, theater actor, entrepreneur, deal-maker, salesman, politician, debater, fundraiser, inventor, rancher, farmer, gatherer, cook, intuitive learner—a lover of family, people, animals, nature, Jesus Christ, and God.
John will be buried next to his sweetheart, Susan Lee Wendahl Shepherd, and his son Jay Dee Shepherd at the Logan Cemetery in Logan, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please perform a kind act in his honor. Give a sincere compliment, a smile, a hug, lend a helping hand, take time to listen, and be present for those around you—just as he did.

SERVICE DETAILS:
FAMILY DINNER AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Friday, 2/28/2025 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. (Invite Only)

VIEWING
Friday, 2/28/2025 | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

VIEWING
Saturday, 3/1/2025 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Family prayer - 11:45 a.m.

FUNERAL SERVICE - 12:00 p.m.

LOCATION OF GATHERINGS
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3271 West 2550 South
West Haven, Utah 84401

INTERMENT
Saturday, 3/1/2025 | 3:00 p.m.
Logan Cemetery
1000 North 1200 East
Logan, UT