John Shilling

“'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” Amazing Grace December 7, 2023, John Shilling, 81, passed away leaving behind loving family and friends. John was born to parents Harvery Francis Shilling and Doris Louise Bischoff in Concord, Michigan, September 11, 1942. The 3rd of 4 children, he was predeceased by brothers Jim and Don and is survived by youngest sister Phyllis Shilling Tyjewski. The family resided in Homer, MI and John graduated from Homer High School in 1960. His first year in college, John would meet his future wife, Kathleen Alice Thrams. Always the smooth talker, John claimed to be from Chicago and attending Michigan State. Kathy saw through the ruse but still thought he was cute; April the 27th, 1963, John and Kathy were married at the Union City Methodist Church. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this last April. John chose to step away from college and join the family business - Calhoun Industries - with his father and two brothers. Seeing his baby brother’s potential, Jim, John’s oldest brother, encouraged him to go back to college and finish his degree. While still supporting his wife and two small girls, John earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University in 1973. John worked as an engineer for Eaton Corporation, a job which would transfer his family to Mills River, North Carolina. After a brief time in North Carolina, John took a job with TRW in Greeneville, Tennessee. Parker Hannifin would eventually buy out TRW, and John was offered to try his hand as a salesman; so, he and Kathy moved to Placerville, California. Not loving a life on the road and being away from family, John and Kathy moved back to the Greeneville, Tennessee area. After retiring and the birth of a grandchild, John and Kathy made their final move to Knoxville, Tennessee, where they have resided for the last 16 years. While in Greeneville, John was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church. At Trinity, he and Kathy were members of the Fidelis Class and made a number of lifelong friends. After moving to Knoxville, John became an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served on a number of committees, sang in the choir, and worked with the FISH ministry. John was a life-long woodworker, taking on projects large and small - especially if it meant he could justify buying a new tool. John is survived by his wife Kathy Shilling, as well as his elder daughter Angela Shilling and his younger daughter Jennifer Shilling Long and her husband Stephen Long. He was grandfather to Mathias Smith, Catherine Ensworth, and Milo Long. A Celebration of Life will be held for John, Friday, December 29th at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 S. Northshore Drive. A reception will be held immediately following the service. Dad loved a good story, especially if it led to an even better laugh; we welcome you to join us with your stories while celebrating a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John’s name to the Knoxville Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) or the Westminster Presbyterian Operating Fund.

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John Shilling

September 11, 1942 - December 7, 2023