United States Air Force Master Sergeant John J. Shields, 77 of Dalton and formerly of North Adams died early Thursday morning, February 24, 2022 at Berkshire Medical Center after a heroic struggle with cancer. He was born in North Adams in December 7, 1944, a son of the late John and Madaliene (Davies) Shields. He attended school in North Adams until his senior year when he was invited to attend Stowe Preparatory to train for the Olympic Ski Team, graduating in 1965.

John was predeceased by his wife Diane (Jenks) Shields of Dalton, who died in 2010. They met at BCC in 1965 and married in 1966. MSGT Shields joined the Air Force in 1966, first serving at Loring AFB Limestone, Maine (66-70); next serving in San Antonio, Texas at Randolph AFB (71-72). went overseas to Korat AFB in Thailand during the Vietnam War (72-75), returning to Mesa, Arizona and posting at Williams AFB (76-80). MSGT Shields again served overseas in Germany, working on F-Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV. until retirement in 1989. He was an aircraft mechanic who specialized in F-4, F-16, H-10s and F-15s. While still in Las Vegas, John worked for Budget Rent-A-Car as a courtesy driver. He returned home to North Adams in 1996 and subsequently started working at North Adams Regional Hospital in security/maintenance and obtaining a boiler license from MLCA to qualifying him to work on the gigantic boiler at NARH. He was a member of the Dalton American Legion.

Survivors include his two sons John J. Shields IV and Jeffrie A. Shields, both of Dalton; sister Susan Shields of Lynn, MA, niece Alissa Riley and nephew Andrew Riley. He also leaves cousins John Tietgens Jr., Joan Calvi, Jane Sullivan and Jean Kurpiel. He was predeceased by his aunt and uncle Ellen and John Tietgens.

Calling Hours will take place Thursday March 3, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA followed by a dinner at the Dalton American Legion in Dalton, MA. Memorial donations are suggested for the Dalton American Legion 258 North St. Dalton, MA. 01226. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.