John Shotwell

Beloved son, brother, father, grandfather and coach John Shotwell passed away on Thursday, Nov 6, 2025. He was born to Evelyn and Berkley Shotwell in Roxboro, NC on April 2, 1938, the oldest of four boys. Their young days were filled with school, farm work and sports. He particularly fell in love with baseball because Enos Slaughter, a St Louis Cardinal, was from his small hometown. He would fall asleep many nights with his transistor radio listening to the Cardinals games on KMOX. He was a stellar high school athlete playing football, basketball and baseball at Bethel Hill High School in Person County, NC. He had a wonderful coach, Jim Edens, who became such an influential mentor to him in high school and, as it turns out, helped John forge a similar path in his coaching career. Coach Edens helped him get a baseball scholarship to Edwards Military Academy where he played for two years. He then transferred to Atlantic Christian College to finish his college career. While a junior in college, he had the opportunity to play pro baseball in Pittsburgh. After consulting his parents, they suggested he stay in college and finish his education. After college, John served six months in military service in Fort Jackson, SC. While sitting in a barbershop in SC, John picked up a newspaper and saw a want ad for a teaching position in Buchanan, VA. He called his parents about the ad and they called the school to set up an interview. Not having a vehicle, he hitchhiked back home to Roxboro, and his parents drove him to Virginia for his interview. He was offered the job and started at James River in September 1961. Over his tenure at JRHS, he coached Golf for 38 years, Boys Basketball for 31 years, Asst Football for 25 years, Girl's Softball for 22 years. His girls' softball teams won four state championships (2003, 2004, 2006, 2011) and he had 2 state runners up in Boys Basketball. His wins for all his sport teams totaled 1,081. His coaching career spanned 50 years. Being at the same school allowed him to coach 3 generations of families. In 2011, his last year coaching at JRHS, the softball field was dedicated to John, and he was able to win his last game which happened to be his 4th state softball championship alongside his son Andy as his assistant coach and his granddaughters Haley and Lindsay on his team. A storybook ending for such a long prosperous career. John's success was recognized when he was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame as well as the ASA Softball Hall of Fame. Representative Bo Trumbo entered a Proclamation with the Virginia General Assembly commending John on his outstanding coaching career.He not only won on the field, but he also won in life. He has three children, Evie, Andy and Ryan, four grandchildren, Haley, Lindsay, Aiden and Paige and one great grandchild, Whitley. He has been a devoted partner to Nancy Horn for many years and loved her granddaughter Kaylin as his own. He was an active member of Mill Creek Baptist Church. John was a lifelong member of Botetourt Country Club and loved playing golf several times a week with his golf group. He never met a stranger, so his friends are many. He leaves behind daughter, Evie Harrison, spouse Tom Harrison. Son, Andy Shotwell, spouse Carolyn Shotwell, granddaughter Haley Shotwell, granddaughter Lindsay Thompson, spouse Hunter Thompson, great granddaughter Whitley Thompson. Son, Ryan Shotwell, spouse Heather Shotwell, grandson Aiden Shotwell, granddaughter Paige Shotwell. Devoted fiancé Nancy Horn and adopted granddaughter Kaylin Horn. His brothers Bobby and Patricia Shotwell, Frank Shotwell, Mike and Teresa Shotwell, along with many nieces and nephews. A visitation service will be held at Mill Creek Baptist Church fellowship hall, Friday, November 21 from 3-7 pm. Since John was such an avid sports lover, the family will be wearing his favorite team's sports gear in his honor. Feel free to do the same in honor of John. A celebration of life service will be held at Mill Creek Baptist Church on Saturday, November 22 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice House, 4751 Cove Rd, NW, Roanoke, VA 24017 or Mill Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 11475 Lee Highway, Fincastle, VA 24090