The Legend of Captain Jack
By
Howard W. Gabriel III, Ph.D.

Many of us have a family ancestor who stands out above the rest. Such a person makes us proud and should never be forgotten.
This is an account of my great uncle, Earl L. (Jack) Shryver, a man known throughout northern California until his untimely death in 1938. Captain Jack, as he was called, was the highest ranking California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer ever killed on duty. Prior to his death, Shryver had passed the California inspector exams and was number one on the civil service list for promotion.
Jack Shryver was born in 1893, a time still dominated by horse and buggy. During his forty five year life span, he experienced an incredible era of American history. He lived through many technological advances including: train and trolley car expansion; telephones; radios; electric light bulbs and other electrical appliances; silent and then talking movies; indoor plumbing; motorized vehicles; construction of countless roads and highways; creation of giant buildings and great bridges; and, of course, the airplane.
Shryver lived during a time that featured: vaudeville and live theater shows; a 200% expansion in the United States population; World War I; the rise of large cities and big business; prohibition and the gangster phenomena; labor unrest; new “miracle” medical advances; and the Great Depression.
Jack Shryver enjoyed childhood around his birthplace of Roanoke, Virginia. The mystique and adventurous nature of the nearby Atlantic Ocean no doubt influenced his decision to join the Navy at age 16. After serving four years, he traveled to Colorado, where he graduated from Denver High School. Shryver then attended the University of Colorado for three years, studying electronics.
When WWI broke out Shryver once again joined the arm forces in 1917, receiving a commission of Chief Electrician for the Radio-Aviation service in France and Asia.
After the war, Shryver landed in Sausalito, California where he was employed as a telegraph operator and agent for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad for six years. During this period he married Gladys V. Hunkins.
A major public concern during this time was safety on the roads. There were more people going everywhere and they were driving faster cars. The development and enforcement of laws, insurance, emergency services and the construction of roads all lagged behind these demands. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) was started in the 1920’s in response to these challenges. It was originally operated at the county level but became a state agency by 1929. Jack Shryver joined the CHP in 1925, serving as head of highway patrol operations for Sonoma County.

During his tenure with the CHP there were many prohibition enforcement challenges until its repeal in 1932. Shryver left among his many possessions loaded/fixed dice from raids. He also left his tear gas gun which had helped get suspects out of buildings.
Shryver was an expert with fire arms. He won many medals in regional and national competition.
Although a resident of Santa Rosa, he served as instructor of fire arms at the State CHP Academy in Sacramento. Somehow Shryver made the time to serve as a leader of many fraternal and civic organizations.
Captain Jack was a motorcycle patrol officer for several years. The motorcycle proved useful in many traffic chases and jams. In later years Shryver drove a CHP car which was featured in publicity photographs at the dedication of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937.
One day Shryver went to direct memorial holiday traffic on Highway 101 at a dangerous curve near railroad tracks. While trying to slow down traffic by standing in the middle of the highway, Shryver was struck by a vehicle pulling a trailer. His body was tossed into the other lane of traffic striking another vehicle before ending up under the trailer pulled by the first car to hit him.
Even the top surgeons in California could not save Shryver. He put up a gallant fight to survive but died July 10, 1938 with his loving wife by his side.
Captain Jack’s funeral was a major recorded California event that year. Shryver had served the people as a peace officer during an era when the public needed heroes. He was considered a just man of great courage and a sense of duty. Shryver was also noted for his love of family and friends, always willing to give the other fellow a chance.
Captain Jack Shryver was, indeed a real 20th century hero.