Later after his racing, AJ returned to Wichita, where he drove a city bus until retirement in 1994. A J stood for Alvin Junior. Brother Don was a top mechanic. Shepherd was a member of the Masonic Lodge and also served in the US Navy during World War Two. Alvin was a USAC regular, especially on dirt tracks, in the mid 1950's to early 1960's but had to quit after head injuries sustained in a crash at the Hoosier 100 at Indiana State Fairgrounds in September 1961. He was in a coma for a few weeks and suffered memory loss for some while after.

Biography last updated 15 Jan 2017