DR. WILDON JOHN ‘JACK’ SHINN JR.

Dr. Wildon John “Jack” Shinn Jr., 78, died at 10:50 p.m. on July 24, 2012 at the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve, La.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Claire Clement Shinn; his brothers George “G.G.” Shinn and wife, Sandra Shinn, and David Shinn and wife, Arline Shinn; his sisters-in-law, Janet Toups and husband, Mike; Amelia Heck and husband, Carl; and Ann Black and husband, Robert; brothers-in-law, Ronald Clement and wife, Pat; Sammy Clement and Millard Clement and wife, Betty; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wildon John Shinn Sr. and Elizabeth Deloney Shinn; his sister, Patsy Shinn Padgett; and his stepmother, Iris Boutillier Shinn.

A retired Professor of Woodwinds at Nicholls State University, Dr. Shinn received a Bachelor of Music from LSU, his Master’s degree in Woodwinds from Michigan State University and Doctor of Musical Arts in Clarinet Performance from LSU. He was born October 12, 1933 in Franklin and was a resident of Thibodaux. He served in the US Army and was principal clarinetist with the 10th Infantry Division Band stationed in Wurzburg, Germany.

Dr. Shinn was the music director at Hanson Memorial High School in Franklin for 7 years. He was on the music faculty at Nicholls State University for 30 years, and along with his instrumental teaching, he also taught music history and literature and the physics of sound. He was a talented classical musician who loved his profession and his students. Dr. Shinn performed on the clarinet, saxophone and flute at many NSU recitals, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the New Orleans Concert Band. He was a choir member of his friend, Leslie Van Osdale’s “Les Amis de la Chanson”. Graciously giving his time and talent, he treasured performing on a woodwind or violin at a myriad of local functions. He enjoyed musical conducting, scenic photography, woodworking and attending the many reunions of his Army buddies. A very gentle and kind man who cared deeply for his family and friends, he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial donations to establish a music scholarship at Nicholls State University may be sent to the NSU Foundation, P. 0. Box 2074, Thibodaux, LA 70310 for the Dr. Wildon “Jack” Shinn Jr.’s Scholarship Fund.

Landry’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. There will be no service at this time.