John Clement McCurnin II

John Clement McCurnin II (“Jack”), beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024, in Fairfax, Virginia. Born to Colonel John C. McCurnin (USA) (“Colonel Mac”) and Mildred McKenzie McCurnin on August 10, 1936 in New York, John lived the life of an airman’s child, moving house on multiple occasions whilst his father served in World War II, until he landed in Canada for college.

John attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia where he studied Political Science and played for the X-Men Football team. Next, John received his law degree from St. John’s University Law School in New York, married his wife of 61 years, Carol Ann McCurnin, and went on to become a Special Agent with the FBI. Beginning then and throughout his life, people who worked with John called him “Jack” – a small detail he forgot to tell his new bride. Carol recalls answering the phone to “Hello, may I speak with Jack?” and she replying, “Sorry, there’s no one here by that name.”

His storied career involved investigating bank robberies, de-segregating businesses in Louisiana during the Civil Rights Movement and working on the Watergate case, to name a few. One of only seven agents to hold a dual badge, he joined the DEA as the Assistant to the Administrator before his second career as Director of Security at US Airways. Although his work duties were demanding, he never complained. He demonstrated integrity, loyalty and a respect for all people. Jack McCurnin definitely led by example: a true gentleman and a man of his word. He was an inspiration to many and raised his children to respect that honesty, hard work and integrity were both valuable and necessary traits.

Outside of work, he was a dedicated family man, devoted to his wife, Carol, and his four children, Kerrie, Stacie (Khan), John III and Allison (O’Bier). Every subsequent wedding anniversary was hailed with “61 years of Marital Bliss!” John enjoyed old-school barbecuing on the Weber kettle and, left to his own devices, could cook anything in a Toast-R-Oven. He was also the life of the party, his smile lighting up every room that he entered along with the announcement, “Here I am!” to which Carol would shake her head, roll her eyes and say, “Oh, John!” We referred to these daily exchanges fondly as “The John and Carol Show.”

John embraced retired life. At home, he enjoyed quiet evenings reading his books before setting off on many road trips with Carol. He especially looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren, Nate, Keegan and MacKenzie, whom he loved unconditionally. Nicknamed “Gramps”, he happily accepted the moniker and thoroughly delighted in making them laugh. John enthusiastically supported whatever they were doing (he attended more hockey, lacrosse, field hockey games and concerts than one can count).

His booming laugh filled every space he entered, and he will remain in the hearts of his wife, children and grandchildren for many years to come. As John would remind us, “Another victory for clean living!”

A funeral mass for John C. McCurnin II will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 12:45 pm at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Fairfax, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a simple toast (beverage of your choice) to John: “The friend of man, the friend of truth; The friend of age, and guide of youth. Few hearts like his with virtue warmed, few heads with knowledge so informed.” -- Robert Burns