John Andrew Short of Gainesville, Virginia, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021, after an 18-month battle with lung cancer. John leaves behind Katie, his beloved wife of 19 years, and three incredible daughters, Elizabeth, Adeline and Charlotte. He is survived by his parents, John and Ann Marie; brothers Matthew (Noreen) and David (Jessica); and was also the favorite uncle to his seven nieces and nephews: Alexandra, Harry, Margo, Teddy, Caroline, Margaret, and Maud, as well as one arriving in October. He is also survived by his aunt, Kathleen Kenney and uncle, Paul Kenney.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents Maud and Ollie Short of Louisa, Kentucky, and Anna and William Kenney of Centerville, Massachusetts.
John was born in Ashland, Kentucky, on September 15, 1975, and was a 1993 graduate of Russell High School. In high school, he was a member of the regional championship tennis team and was named to the Kentucky all-state tennis team his senior year. John also ran cross country, had a brief (but successful) stint on the basketball team and even managed to study a little bit. John was a 1997 graduate of the University of Virginia and a member of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity where he met many of his best friends. He was co-owner of a transportation and logistics company based in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a member and former treasurer of Gainesville United Methodist Church.
Although a reluctant cat owner, he was often seen sneaking treats to Roxie, Bonnie and Clyde. In addition, John was the ultimate girl dad, and prioritized spending time with his daughters. He loved playing tennis with Elizabeth, sharing decadent meals with Adeline and telling jokes with Charlotte (who had many great nicknames for him). A true family man, he enjoyed movies, meals, and trips to get ice cream. John also organized family vacations, favoring the South Carolina beaches where he and his family made memories with bike rides, beach games and hours spent playing in the water.
John’s first love was Tennessee football, and he loved wearing orange (much to the chagrin of his classmates, friends and teachers at Russell) and attending games with his father and brothers. One of his big regrets was not attending the National Championship game in 1998 with his dad and youngest brother when the Vols hoisted the trophy. He made up for it by attending every NCAA tournament game that the Virginia basketball team played in 2019, including the national title game. He was a season ticket holder and passionate tailgater for UVA football and basketball games. He also loved Tennessee, Marshall and, if no other team was on, Kentucky basketball. Many of his friends would tease him about his love for the “Thundering WildCavaTeers,” since he always found a team to cheer for. Growing up, he was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan and in his adult life grew to love the Washington Nationals, Capitals, Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens. Most importantly, he loved watching his three girls play tennis, field hockey, soccer and compete in gymnastics.
John was a long-time member of his neighborhood’s Friday golf league where he occasionally had enough decent shots to win. He enjoyed a good golf trip and created many memories with his friends playing courses across the country.
John was the best friend of many and touched lives far and wide across the country. From grade school, to college, to work, to the neighborhood and beyond, he kept in touch with people and always made time for his family and friends. John’s life on this Earth was far too short, but he lived it to his fullest while he was here.
A celebration of John’s life will occur on Sunday, June 13, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Stonewall Golf Club (15601 Turtle Point Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155).
A Funeral Service will occur on Thursday, June 17, at 12:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Ashland, with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery in Louisa, KY. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UVA Cancer Center where a fund has been created in John Andrew’s honor. Online donations can be made at:http://get-involved.uvahealth.com/site/TR?px=1033185&fr_id=1160&pg=personal or by mail to the UVA Health Foundation, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, IA 50037.