Andrew Jackson “A.J.” Shields Jr.

Andrew Jackson “A.J.” Shields Jr. 79, of Arcola, IL passed away at 4:37 A.M. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main Street in Arcola, IL. Pastor Brent Budd will officiate. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, April 12, 2021 at the funeral home.

A.J. was born on April 29, 1941 in Arcola, IL. He was a son of Andrew Jackson “Cracker” and Coleta (Peeler) Shields Sr. He married Dolress Josephine “Jo” Brandon on September 25, 1964 in Arcola, IL. She passed away on February 24, 2018.

He is survived by three sons, Andrew Jackson III and his fiancé Tina Embry, Keith M. Shields and his wife Carrie and Matthew B. Shields all of Arcola, IL: three grandchildren, Kali Jo Shields, Dylan Shields and Brianna Shields, three great-grandchildren, Aubree Spears, Arrow Spears and Knova Shields and one brother, Roger Shields of and his wife Andrea of Champaign, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jo Shields, one son, Dustin Shields, one grandchild, Azaea Rain Shields, a twin brother who died as a child and a half-brother, Cody Richey.

A.J. was a Marine Veteran having served his country for four years, he was stationed in the Philippines.

A.J. owned and operated A & J Towing and Auto Repair in Arcola for over 40 years.

Back in the day A. J. enjoyed bowling at Embassy lanes in Arcola, IL and one of his favorite things to do was drinking coffee at the Hen House and visiting with old friends.