David Shelby '50

Brother David Shelby strongly and happily emphasizes his life and career have been a series of great breaks.  And those breaks have always been of benefit to him.

By knowing Dave Shelby you know he valued the lessons provided by his parents. Alongside his mom he made the best of what was a disadvantaged beginning that stemmed from his father leaving them on their own when Dave was only six years old.  His mother held the family together and instilled positives that came from the simple phrase, “Do your job well”.  

A mentor provided scholarship funding so Brother Shelby could attend YMCA Camp Wilson.  It became a constant for Dave as he worked there providing wages while working as a counselor and swim instructor.  Eventually, he would graduate from North H.S. and move on to The Ohio State University, where he started with $50 in his pocket from his mom’s savings.

Dave lived at home during his freshman and sophomore years. To pay for college, he worked night jobs that included The University Club, a railroad, and a concrete company. To add more income, Dave joined the Air Force ROTC that paid $100 per month. Ultimately, he became a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves giving 23 years of service.

Entering his junior year at Ohio State, Dave pledged Kappa Sigma. Brothers Pennell and Mitchell were his advocates.  Dave served Kappa Sigma as its Grand Procurator but prior to that office, he handled the duties of working services alongside the house manager, again to help with his personal finances.

Following graduation, Brother Shelby plugged into education and athletics.  First, the Upper Arlington Superintendent of Schools hired Dave into a teaching position with the high school. After only six years, Dave had become the school’s tennis coach and was elevated to Assistant Principal.  In 1969, he became Principal of Jones Junior High school where he helped bring the sport of lacrosse into the athletics program. Dave served as a lacrosse official for 23 years.

Dave Shelby has always been active in the community.  He has been a past president of Charity Newsies, Central Ohio Lung Association, Vision Center and was once Grand Marshall of the Upper Arlington Fourth of July parade. He is a member of the Ohio Tennis Coach’s Hall of Fame, the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the Upper Arlington Educator’s Hall of Fame.

Brother Shelby is beloved by thousands of UAHS graduates and frequently attends high school class reunions.  A remarkable man of many talents and qualities, his is most worthy of the Star and Crescent.  He and his wife, Jan, were married 52 years, raised three daughters, have five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Submitted by: Walt Shuler and Ken Holcomb in nomination of David Shelby 1950 for 2024 Hall of Fame