John Thomas "J.T." Shadden

Obituary
John Thomas (J.T.) Shadden 81, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday May 14, 2015 after a valiant seven year battle with cancer.

J.T. was born in Birchwood Tennessee on June 3, 1933 to the late Henry and Gladys Shadden. He attended Eastview School while working on the family farm. As a young athlete, he was an amazing baseball player and always intimidated his opponents with his knuckle ball. He enjoyed blue grass music and square dancing, which is how he met the love of his life, Shirley Teague Shadden. He and Shirley welcomed two sons into their lives, Jeff Thomas and Brent Alan Shadden.

He was employed with Western Union for 17 years before opening J-T Used Cars in 1972. Over the past 43 years in the car business, he has sold many vehicles but more importantly he made many friends because he always treated them like family. He enjoyed working alongside his eldest son Jeff at the car lot and watching Brent play various sports during his youth. He and Shirley continued dancing even while he was being treated for cancer.

He was of the Baptist faith and a member of North Cleveland Baptist Church. He was recently baptized at his home by Pastor Jay McCluskey.

He was preceded in death and now joined in Heaven with his parents, Henry and Gladys Shadden, Brothers, Kenneth Shadden, Reuben "Cotton" Shadden and Harold Shadden and one Nephew, Wayne Shadden.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 54 years, Shirley Teague Shadden, Two sons Jeff (Robin) Shadden and Brent (Mitzi) Shadden. Two grandsons whom he adored, Logan Andrew and Luke Thomas Shadden. Loving Sister, Emma Jean Hixson, Special nieces, Lori Bacon, Kim Colbaugh, Karen Steveson and Glenda Watson. Many other nieces and nephews all of whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind a host of special friends and two very special caregivers, Shirley Lawson and Caroline McCallie whose special touch comforted him so greatly in his final days.

Visitation will be held on Sunday May 17th from 1:00-3:00 at North Cleveland Baptist Church. The Funeral Service will be held immediately following the visitation at 3:00 pm. Pastors Jay McCluskey, Richard and Keith Watson officiating. Interment will be at Candies Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Shadden, Brent Shadden, Logan Shadden, Luke Shadden, Ronnie Tenpenny and Bill Coe.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to: Mr. Shadden's church home North Cleveland Baptist Church at 2815 North Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37312 or Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga, 200 Central Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404



Companion Funeral Home and the Cody Family are honored to assist the Shadden Family with J.T's final arrangements. You are encouraged to visit his memorial guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com and leave his family a message of condolence.


Visitation Details
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Sunday, May 17th, 2015
North Cleveland Baptist Church
2815 North Ocoee Street
Cleveland, TN 37312

Interment
Sunday, May 17th, 2015

Celebration of Life Service Details
3:00 PM
Sunday, May 17th, 2015
North Cleveland Baptist Church
2815 North Ocoee Street
Cleveland, TN 37312

Candies Creek Baptist Church Cemeter
following the service