It is with great sadness that the family of Jon Phillip Shulenberger, child of God, announces his passing after a battle with cancer on Thursday, April 29, 2020, at the age of 77 years. Jon was born August 8, 1942, to Charles Vinus and Virginia Lee (Lanigan) Shulenberger in Caney, Kansas. He made his home in Nashville, TN, for almost fifty years.
Jon received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Missouri and a Master of Arts in Journalism at Northwestern University. He then served in the Vietnam War from 1968–1969 and earned the Bronze Star Medal after receiving an honorable discharge. He began his advertising career at Leo Burnett Company in Chicago, IL. In 1973, he moved to Nashville, TN, where he started a career in the music industry at Soundshop Recording Studio—noted for recording such artists as Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Neil Young—and worked as writer/producer and co-owner. He spent the remainder of his career working in advertising and writing commercials. Jon will be remembered for his clever catch lines and jingles, such as “Follow Me to Tennessee,” and “Tennessee Trash.” His writing skills in advertising won him a Cleo and ADDY Award.
With an expansive imagination, Jon was a remarkable visual artist, illustrating original stories and creating unique characters. He had the ability to make an average felt tip pen produce a fantastical masterpiece, full of vibrant color and detail.
Jon will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Rosalie Marie, and his children, Kristen Love (Jack Reese) and Jenna Love. Jon will also be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren, Sophia, Isabelle, Ethan, Skye, Jack, and Mark; and by his sister, Lisa Meyers; and his brother-in-law, Michael Black.
Memorial details will be forthcoming later this year.
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Frankie Cowan Letwich
So sorry for Ro and the family and especially in these awkward times.
Mike Gable
I am so sorry to learn of the loss of this wonderful father, grandfather and husband. His legacy will live on through his loving family and they will all be reunited with him in the future with our Heavenly Father.
Jane Mitchell Klaproth
I’ve had fifty years of a joyous memorable friendship
with Jon & Ro and his family.
Memories of Jon that made me chuckle: sunflower shells flittering from the deck, midnight candy bar wrappers crinkling, crab attack at Foley Beach, lost keys at Kentucky Lake, while visiting in Wilmette – out on his marathon training run – ending up knocking on neighbors doors as he was lost, overflowed bloody Mary’s with one too many celery sticks, trying to shoulder-shove a very large pumpkin in the backseat of his car, liberating napkins at dinners, appointed connoisseur of bar-b-q sauces and always ready with a laugh!
Happy trails dear amigo…Thanks for sharing your time with us!
. . .with Blessings to the Shulenberger family.
Peace Love and Rubber Gloves
Jerry Malsh/Ann Segal
Godspeed, Jonny Boy. You were the best friend anybody could ever have had.
You were always there for Ro, Kristen, Jenna and their families. You and I first met
in our tiny Leo Burnett Chicago cubicles then moved to work together in Nashville.
Ann, I and Guinness will always fondly remember every moment we spent together.
You’ll be a gentle genius forever.
Jerry Malsh/Ann Segal
Godspeed, Jonny Boy.
You were the best friend anybody could have ever had.
Always there for Ro, Kristen, Jenna and their families.
We first met in our side by side cubicles at Leo Burnett Chicago, then moved to
Nashville (Gnoshville, as you nicknamed it) about 50 years ago to work together once
again.
Ann, I and Guinness will miss your unique wit, warmth and wisdom
by never forgetting them.
Take care, Gentle Genius.
We’ll love you, forever!
Karen Malone
Kristen, we were very sorry to hear about your father. He was such a talented man and he and your family will be in our prayers. Love, Karen and Muff
Caryn Nolen, Betty Queen
Memories of Jon are few….I met Jon through Ro, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Black and Mike. Reading previous passages of Jon’s accomplishments I got a tiny glimpse of him. Hope Jon is singing , making people laugh up in those white clouds. Prayers to the Family.
Tommy Hart
I was very saddened to read of John’s recent death in today’s paper. John was so talented and creative with a gift of writing that made his words magically blend together. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him in my agency, and extend my deepest sympathies to his family. As talented as he was, he was an even better person! May he now Rest In Peace…
Mike Deitschmann
Jon was a swiss army knife of meaningful relationships for me. He was one of my dad’s best friends (my dad would be heartbroken at his loss, had he not predeceased him), he was an uncle at times, he was my boss at one point when I was a copywriter, he was a mentor, he was an adult who would talk with me at my level and always let me know he was my fan. He was a friendly smile when I was being a kid and my dad was all business. Looking back I spent an amazing amount of time with Jon and I bet many share this same thought of him. How many people can you truly say you spent a lot of time with and you can’t remember one (not one) bad experience? I can’t recall even one edgy day where he snapped. Sure, I as most will remember one time or another when his “best laid plan” didn’t quite go according to plan, but more importantly I remember how he handled himself! He had a endearing self-deprecating way of laughing and then leaning into whatever the solution needed to be! He had a lot of fun being “Jon” and I loved him for it! Jon was an incredibly talented writer, and a gentle and caring soul. I’ll miss him terribly and pray for peace and comfort for Ro, Kristen, Jenna and the rest of his friends and family.
Dennis Scott
I always enjoyed the time I spent with Jon. He was a funny and generous man who always made me feel like I was part of the family. May his memory serve as a blessing.
Rich Adler
Just heard the sad news about Jon. He was an incredibly talented and wonderful man to know and work with. Be well.
Michael Black
I will cherish my memory of Jon Shulenberger, “Shully”. We had great times together as a family. Jon, Ro, their daughters Kristen and Jenna had a wonderful home near Ranor Lake for many years where all our family gatherings were held. The center point for their many friends as well. They also held the annual Soundshop parties there too. My Mom an Dad would be there for it all. Adding more fun and laughs. We are a hugging family. Jon was always very loving and giving to all. He was very funny within his own nature. He was also extremely creative. A wonderful producer, copywriter, jingle writer, songwriter, as well as a great artist. He was very humble about it all. You would be the one to bragg about him once you’ve seen and heard his work. I, “We”, will forever love and miss him. Your loving brother-in-law,
Michael Black
Carrie
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you all. Love, Carrie