I just heard about John's passing.  What a loss for future Cross Country and Track participants.  When I would run CC and Track meets, John was always helpful and ready to assist in any way I might need. John always had a smile and a kind word.  For big events, John would grill the best Brats and hot dogs.  What a pleasure to call him a friend.

The coaching profession has lost a valuable coach and friend.

We are so sorry to hear this news. Our son Phil was on one of Mr. McGreevy’s outstanding cross country teams (class of 2001). It was the highlight of his high school years. Best coach ever!! We all loved him and admired him! And I graduated with Mary Kay. Our deepest condolences.

We made the fun connection that he coached my mother in track at Bishop Borgess High school and then he ended up being my counselor at Churchill High school! He would always call me “Irish” ❤️☘️ 
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

John McGreevy was so much more than a coach or counselor- he was a grounding force in the lives of countless students, myself included.

He didn’t just coach us, he shaped us. He led with quiet strength, dry wit, & an unshakable sense of decency. He taught us to push through the hard stuff, to show up for each other, & to laugh at ourselves when we needed it most.

One story sums him up perfectly:
During a practice run on Hines Drive, I made the not-so-brilliant decision to relieve myself just off the path- forgetting I was literally a “running” billboard for Churchill Cross Country. Midstream, I heard that unmistakable gruff voice: “Spellman!”
It was McGreevy in his Honda Civic. He was… NOT pleased.

Back at school, I faced what can only be described as a kangaroo court: McGreevy, flanked by the principal & AD, delivering a lesson on public decency & brand awareness.
My punishment? A handwritten apology to the team, read aloud on the bus to Regionals.

But he didn’t stop there. When I arrived that morning, he was waiting- holding a trench coat & fedora. After my speech, I was told to change- not into my warmups, but into that outfit. That was my uniform for the day. From that moment on, I was “Flash.” Everyone called me that. He made sure of it.
It was funny. It was humbling. And it was the kind of lesson only McGreevy could pull off- holding you accountable without making you feel small.

He had that impact on so many of us. I know I’m not alone in saying I’m a better person for it- and like everyone who knew him, I’m a better person for having known him at all.

My deepest condolences to his family & loved ones. His presence at Churchill left a mark that will never fade- and his influence lives on through every student he guided, every life he touched, & every young person he helped believe in themselves.

With deep respect & gratitude,
Michael Spellman / Churchill ‘97

We have many fond memories from our son Caleb’s time in cross country at Churchill. Coach McGreevy will forever be missed. May he rest in peace.

Dear Coach,
Being today is Father's Day, we just want to say that even though you may not have had kids of your own, thank you for positively impacting the lives of COUNTLESS (now adult) kids, including our four.  Happy Father's Day.    2 Timothy 4:7
Sincerely, Deb and Bill Peterman

I’m very sorry for the family’s loss and to all that John mentored through teaching and coaching. He mentored younger coaches by example and words of encouragement. I will always remember him for his kindness.

I am saddened to hear of John’s passing. John’s brother Dan is the same age as me and was my best friend from grade school and we stayed close through our high school and college years. John drive me to  college at University of Detroit for the 1968-1969 school year—his family will undoubtedly recall his car which sometimes had no functioning heater during those winter commutes to U-D. My condolences to the entire family.

John was an unbelievable advocate for kids and always got the most out of each individual that he worked with. He was a fantastic coach and counselor and an even better human being. This is a great loss for education and society in general. What a wonderful man who I will remember fondly forever.

Dear Ones,
I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing.  Our thoughts are with you all.
I've been a friend of John's since the summer of 1955 when my family moved in across the street from his on Idaho Ave.  We attended 2nd grade together at Jefferson Elementary while St. Michael's and Grant Elementary were finished being built.  So many memories through the 9th grade - sports teams; Lions, Tigers, Wings games; concerts; bike hikes; birthday parties; paper routes; building models; and especially growing up 7am-to-9pm on our own.
When I think of Livonia back then I will always think of Johnny McGreevy.  I thank God He let me cross paths with this wonderful guy.
Dave Clemons

So sorry to hear of Johns passing.  He was truly a gem and an amazing person and coach.  When I first started coaching he was always so kind and helpful.  He was a legend and one that will be greatly missed.    Sending condolences and prayers to the family.

I was so lucky to an uncle like my uncle John. I have so many wonderful memories with him. Like going to Michigan football games, our Thursday night family dinners and I even went to a few of his cross country practices and meets when he was at Churchill. Love you uncle John

I had Mr. McGreevy as a teacher back in the 90's. I had told him that I hated my name because "Shannon was an Irish girls name and I wasn't Irish " He knew I was Maltese and every day I'd walk into his room he'd say "There's Shannon Terese! My little Maltese girl." He used my middle name because I had told him I did actually like my middle name. He just had this way of making you feel special and seen.  Mr. McGreevy was always such a positive presence around the school. I didn't know anyone who didn't love him. I pray his family and close friends can find comfort in the fact that he was just so beloved by so many. My heart goes out to all of you at this time.   - ❤-Shannon Terese Muscat (now Groves, because I grew up and married an Irish man and I feel like he would have appreciated that)

Coach (John) McGreevy was an amazing person.  He was such an incredible influence on  my family and our friends.  We are blessed to have known McGreevy. Heaven gained an amazing person.

Ryan Keeling,  Coach McGreevy and Quinn Osgood

This photo was taken at the track state meet in June 1987.
This was our 2 mile relay team with Coach McGreevy.(LyShay McGowan, Kelly Dooley,
Michelle, Gross, and Michelle Gainey.)
We also had the school record.
I was sad to see Mr. McGreevy passed away. Rest in peace Coach.

John took me to my first University of Detroit basketball game and a frat party afterwards!  That seems like a hundred years ago (the late 60's) but an evening I have never forgotten.  What a wonderful man!

John and I worked together for many years at CHS.  He was a true hero to all students and he was especially supportive to students with special needs.  
John made a huge difference in the life of students and I will always remember his kindness  and his gentleness.
May his memory be a blessing.
John you will be missed and always remembered.

Mr. McGreevy was an integral part of my high school and running experience. He coached the boys, but he also supported the girls. I could always count on him for some words of encouragement or a silly joke. He will be missed.

Coach, you made me feel welcomed my junior year of high school on the cross country team. Being a light to me and so many others not just a coach , a friend you can rely on. From the Godzilla jokes to saying Pittsburgh sports suck cough cough penguins 2016-2017 haha, you will surely be missed by many.  Justin Burnette

I first met John when he was coaching the girl's cross country team at Bishop Borgess--he was my Stepdaughter's (Michelle) coach.  I never knew his first name, he was just McGreevy.  When Michelle was a junior, the State track championship was in Sturgis.  Bishop Borgess had 8 or 9 girls that qualified for the meet.  At the end of the day, all of the girls were All State in at least one (1) event.

After Michelle graduated, I lost touch with McGreevy until one (1) Fall day when I was riding my bike by the Cass Benton cross country course.  I saw that Churchill was running, so I stopped to see if Erica Hope (A cousin) was running.  She was and I came across McGreevy, who I didn't know was coaching the Churchill boys.  I let Michelle know.

He will be missed.

Mr. McGreevy was a warm and caring teacher who paid EXTRA attention to his students. He was one of the best parts of my high school years.

It’s hard to put into words what Mr. McGreevy meant to me. As my cross country and track coach, guidance counselor, and mentor, he shaped my life in ways I’m still realizing to this day. He was more than a coach—he was a steady presence, a source of encouragement, and someone who truly saw potential in every student and athlete he came across.

What he did for me, and for so many others, will stay with us forever. His care, time, and dedication were unmatched. He showed up, he believed in us, and he made us better, on the cross country and track course, in the classroom, and in life. (Cass Benton will always hold a special place in my heart).

Mr. McGreevy was the most influential and meaningful person in my high school years, and I will always carry his guidance and influence with me. I’m forever grateful. He will be dearly missed.

High school wouldn't have been the same without McGreevy and I'm sure many others feel the same. I look on those years with great memories, many thanks to the mentoring and coaching he provided.

Great teacher for myself and fellow students BBHS81! Making a donation to Capuchin Kitchen in your name John McGreevy.
Rest in peace.

I worked with John, for many years at Churchill. As the Science Department Chair, I had a lot of contact, with him. He was a great friend. We kept in contact, after I retired. He was admired by both the faculty and students, he came in contact with  He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace John.

The impact coach McGreevy had on my life and trajectory as a person cannot be understated. His mentorship and support throughout my years of high school as a cross country and track runner will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for all the time and care you put into every student and athlete during your lifetime, love Mitchell.

OBITUARIO

John C. McGreevy

20 noviembre, 1948 – 12 junio, 2025

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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