John W. "Jack" McCarthy

Jack was born on May 12, 1931 in Springfield, the son of John Raymond and Mildred Fernandes McCarthy. He married Jeanne Reisch on January 8, 1955 in Springfield.

Jack was a graduate of Cathedral Boys High School. He attended Springfield Junior College and was a graduate of Western IL University, where he majored in history and played varsity football. A highlight of his college life was scoring the first touchdown in Westerns new stadium, Hanson Field. Jack proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and held a career as an insurance agent for over 50 years. In his spare time, he was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing and watching sports, especially rooting for Notre Dame and the New York Yankees. He was a 60 year member of Blessed Sacrament Church where he chaired the Annual Garden Party for several years and was an active member of the Mens Club.

While Jack was always a gregarious and outgoing person who loved to socialize, in his retirement years, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kevin L. McCarthy.

Jack will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Jeanne; one daughter, Michelle McCarthy; three sons, John McCarthy, Jr. (wife, Leslie), Tim (wife, Rose) McCarthy, and Michael McCarthy; three grandchildren, Katie McCarthy, Meghan (husband, Derek) Pygott, and John McCarthy,III; three great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Brady, and Addie; and one sister, Joanne Crumly, all of Springfield. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Concelebrated Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 South Walnut St., Springfield. A Concelebrated Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Jeff Grant and Rev. Chris House presiding.

Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following ceremonies. A private family burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HSHS St. Johns Hospice (in gratitude for their wonderful care of Jack), the American Diabetes Association, or Blessed Sacrament Church.

The family of John W. "Jack" McCarthy is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.