Dr. John George Shiber, age 86, of Van Lear, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Ashland Community Hospice in Ashland, Kentucky.

John was born January 11, 1937 in Jerusalem, Palestine, son of the late George Saba Shiber and Dalal Dahbour Shiber. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers, Hilda Shiber, Alice Fakhry, Nellie Hovoguimian, Saba Shiber, Victor Shiber.

He is survived by his wife and partner of 50 years, Elaine Washburn Shiber of Van Lear, Kentucky; one son, Tony-Saba (Sameera) Shiber of Brooklyn, New York; one daughter, Linda-Dalal (Smith) Shiber of Cleveland, Ohio; two grandchildren Miles and Willa Crafton; one sister, Mary Shahid of Owings, Maryland; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

After traveling the world and teaching in many countries as well as throughout the US, John settled in Kentucky to teach biology and human ecology at Prestonsburg Community College, now Big Sandy Community and Technical College. For 25 years, he was loved by his students and brought his talent and passion for science and education to eastern Kentucky.

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 Noon Monday, September 25, 2023 in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel with Seth Carter officiating. Friends may visit the Jones-Preston Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until time of service  at 12:00 Noon Monday, September 25, 2023.  Following the service, there will be a time of gathering of friends and family at Jones-Preston Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations can be made to the following organizations which held importance to John:

Nature Conservancy

https://preserve.nature.org/page/81523/donate/1

United Nations Relief and Works Agency
https://unrwausa-gaza.funraise.org/page/in-memory-of-dr-shiber

Community Hospice of Ashland, KY
https://chospice.org/giving-to-hospice
(donations are made by phone)

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both Honored and Privileged to be Entrusted with all funeral arrangements for Dr. John George Shiber.