John Malcolm "Jack" Shelton III

John Malcolm "Jack" Shelton III went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on June 10, 2025. His 99 years produced a large loving family that surrounded him at the time of his death. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Joan Johnson Shelton, his four children and spouses: Malcolm Shelton and wife Claudia, Jim Shelton and his wife Ginny, Elise Shelton Maynard and husband John, Mary Ellen Shelton Puls and husband Larry, with 13 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

Jack was a cow-calf producer, stocker operator and commercial cattle feeder from Amarillo, Texas. He owned and operated the Bravo Ranch in Oldham County, where he raised Angus cattle. The Bravo Ranch has remained in the family for well over 100 years and through five generations; it continues to be operated by his descendants to this day. He also had interests in Texas Beef Producers and Palo Duro Feedyard and various other partnerships.

Shelton was born December 19, 1925, in Amarillo. He attended New Mexico Military Institute and the University of Texas. During World War II, he served in the 1st Cavalry Division and the American Infantry Division in the Philippines and the occupation forces in Japan. After the war he received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve.

He was active in a variety of organizations such as The Panhandle Livestock Association, and was a vice chairman of the National Beef Promotion and Research Board where he was chairman of that board's executive committee. He became Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President in 1984, having served as first vice president and had been a director since 1957. He was a member of the National Cattleman's Association executive committee; a member of the Governor's Task Force on Foreign Investments in Texas; and was a director of the First National Bank for many years. He served as Chairman of the Board of Regents of West Texas University. He was also a board member of the Presbyterian Children's Home, Amarillo. His tremendous generosity was clearly evident as he was the longest standing donor to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, along with many other non-profit charities. Shelton was awarded Rancher of the Year in 2007, an award that epitomized the outstanding cattleman he was.

As impressive as all of his accomplishments were, his most important priority was his trust in Jesus Christ. Prayer was central in his life, he devoted himself to daily prayer with his wife Joan, and one of the most distinct memories his family holds dear is the prayers daily heard at the ranch dinner table. As deeply as he will be missed, the family receives great comfort in the certainty that he is in the arms of Jesus.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers who provided compassionate support and care to Jack during his final days. We are grateful to Shawn Morris, the Lenox Archie family, and BSA Hospice.

For many years Jack was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church. Memorials can be sent to Marge Kenney's Scholarship Fund for St. Mary's Cathedral School, Heal the City, or charity of your choice. 

A graveside service will be held at Llano Cemetery on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.