Timothy Jason “TJ” Shupe

1981­–2021

 

Valhalla gained another warrior this week when Timothy Jason “TJ” Shupe, 40, passed away suddenly Wednesday, May 12, 2021. He was born February 11, 1981, in Huntsville, Texas, to parents Terry and Belinda Shupe. A viewing will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2021, at Crowder Funeral Home: 111 E. Medical Center Blvd. in Webster, Texas.

TJ was the ultimate patriot, enlisting with the United States Army at the age of 17. He attended basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, prior to his senior year at Clear Creek High School, and after graduating in 1999, he completed AIT in Gulfport, Mississippi. He enrolled at Texas A&M Galveston, continuing his commitment in the United States Army Reserve during his studies. After 9/11, TJ transitioned from reserve duty to active duty and served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, receiving the Purple Heart Medal and a Bronze Star for his dedication and courage, as well as many other distinguished honors.

An avid sports fan, TJ followed his beloved Texas A&M Aggies and Houston Astros no matter where he was stationed with the military. His passion for music was apparent to all who knew him, and he could often be found strumming one of his many guitars, writing down lyrics, or singing a song with the windows down. TJ had a brief, but eventful, stint with Texas rodeo, making numerous friends and enjoying the thrill of an 8-second ride, but it was ultimately Texas Country music and a soulful guitar that brought him the most joy.

After his discharge from the military, TJ returned to the Houston area, where he spent time with his beloved son and his immediate family. Utilizing skills he learned with the 463^rd Engineer Battalion, TJ worked with Alpha Testing of Houston as a Drilling Coordinator until his death. As a member of the Nassau Bay Baptist Church, TJ developed close friendships and an abiding faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

TJ is survived by his son, Peyton Shupe; mother, Belinda; sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Jerimy Roque; nephews, Jacob and Andrew Roque; niece, Alyssa Roque; aunt and uncle, Pam and Jay Lyden; and aunt, Cindy Harvey. Also continuing his memory are his extended family, longtime friends, and Army brothers.

TJ was preceded in death by his father, Terry; paternal grandparents, Billy and Namiko Shupe; maternal grandparents, Everett and Alice Davis; and aunts, Carol Shupe and Sondra Greene.

A memorial will be held at Nassau Bay Baptist Church in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to support a cause dear to TJ’s heart: the Til Valhalla Project. More information can be found at www.tilvalhallaproject.com.