John Edward Shallcross, 88, of Batavia, a retired cabinetmaker and commercial artist, died of heart failure Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the Rosewood Care Center in St. Charles. Born and raised in Chicago, Mr. Shallcross served in the Navy in World War II. After the war, he worked for a while as a commercial artist in Chicago, a job family members said sprang from his talent for drawing and sketching cartoons. Later he became a master cabinetmaker and an active member of the Chicago District Council of Carpenters for many years. A devout Catholic, Mr. Shallcross donated his talents and time to the parishes to which he belonged over his lifetime, doing carpentry work and serving as an on-call handyman, family members said. Mr. Shallcross also enjoyed fishing, playing pinochle and family activities, especially those that involved his many grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mary; six sons, James, Joseph, John, Paul, Peter and Tom; five daughters, Mary Ann Nelson, Maggie Brewner, Terri Teasdale, Gerri Kendall and Rita Hill; 24 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday in Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2300 W. Main St., Batavia.
