John Patrick McAvoy, Jr.

John was born October 12, 1952, in Taylorville, IL, the son of John, Sr. and Teresa (Clark) McAvoy.

John was a proud graduate of Taylorville High School, class of 1970. After graduation, he moved out to Beverly Hills, California for 2 years working in finance. After returning to Illinois, he went on to dedicate his professional career to the State of Illinois, working at the Department of Revenue as a Revenue Tax Specialist for 30+ years. A passionate sports enthusiast, John served his community as a referee for basketball and football, and as an umpire for baseball. He officiated multiple State Championship games. His love of athletics extended beyond officiating—he was an avid golfer and a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues. He also coached his son’s baseball team for many years.

John also enjoyed traveling, especially his trips to Las Vegas, where he made many fond memories with his friends. He loved going to the Golden Knights hockey games, catching a show on the strip, and eating at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, his favorite restaurant. They would specifically make a coconut cream pie for him when they knew he was coming to town.

He also spent every summer going on vacation with his kids. They spent their summers traveling to Disney, Silver Dollar City, Cedar Pointe, etc. John loved a good theme park where he could ride roller coasters with his kids. He wanted to be the first one there when they opened and the last to leave. His enthusiasm for sports, travel, and community involvement reflected a life well lived and deeply enjoyed.

He will forever be missed by his kids, his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John, Sr. and Teresa.

John is survived by his son, Ryan McAvoy of Raleigh, NC; daughters, Jessica (Nathan) Patton of Evansville, IN and Ashley McAvoy of Chatham, IL; grandchildren, Maren and Asher; siblings, Joe McAvoy and Jane Sim; and former spouse, Michele Oxencis McAvoy. They were married for over 32 years.

Visitation & Funeral Ceremony: The Funeral Ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Rte. 4, Chatham, IL 62629, with Celebrant Parian Hull, officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the Ceremony until 7:00 p.m.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

A graveside Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery, 820 S. Cherokee St., Taylorville, IL 62568.

Memorial contributions may be made to: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/ashley-mcavoy

John’s daughter Ashley is running in the Big Sur International Marathon in California to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society, specifically to raise money and awareness for brain cancer research, a goal they came up with together. Although he will no longer be able to attend her race in person, his legacy will continue to live on by raising funds for research to hopefully benefit other families down the road.