Mr. John Joseph McGuire Jr.

John was born on September 3, 1941, in Hanover, Virginia, the son of the late John J. McGuire, Sr. and Vernelle Thompson McGuire. He is a Christian, was a lifelong Virginian who valued family, hard work, service to others, University of Virginia sports, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

John was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was the son of one of five McGuire brothers who left Ashland to serve their country during World War II. Following in that family tradition, John left Ashland to serve in the United States Army from 1963 to 1967. He proudly passed that legacy of uniformed service to his children and grandchildren, including two grandsons who have served or continue to serve in the military.

John built a successful career in the automotive business, where he was a top-tier salesman and finance manager. He developed lifelong relationships with his customers, many of whom remained friends long after the sale was complete.

John also struggled with addiction early in his life, but after joining Alcoholics Anonymous, he truly broke the cycle of addiction for his family. His recovery became one of the great accomplishments of his life. He was never embarrassed to say that he was a member of AA and was always willing to help another person struggling with addiction. He would drop whatever he was doing to help someone in need, and he helped countless people find their own path to recovery.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He took great pride in his family and cherished the time he spent with those closest to him.

John is survived by his wife, Judy McGuire; his children, April Dryden of Henrico, Congressman John J. McGuire, III (VA-05) and Tracy of Goochland, Margaret S. “Peggy” McGuire of Henrico, Brigadier General Russell E. “Rusty” McGuire and Camille of Louisa, and Tracey Ikenberry and Merlin of Goochland; and his stepchildren, Kelly Yancey and Cristin of Pleasanton, California, and Shelby Yancey and Ashley of Goodyear, Arizona.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Thomas Holley, Ariel McGuire, Montana Mann, Skylar Mang, PO1 John J. McGuire, IV, Cara Holley, Julia McGuire, Spencer Mang, Sarina Cooper, Madelyn McGuire, Annabel Ikenberry, Kyla Ikenberry, Brendan McGuire, PVT Joshua McGuire, Levi Ikenberry, Beckett Yancey, and Kincade Yancey; his siblings, Mary Freeman and Robert McGuire; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, William “Mickey” McGuire, James “Pat” McGuire, Harvey Lee McGuire, and son-in-law Michael Dryden.

John also held a special place in his heart for his Uncle Harvey Lee Thompson. John fondly remembered how, when they were children, Uncle Harvey would give John and his siblings money each Saturday to go watch a movie at the Ashland Theatre. In his later years, Uncle Harvey lived with the McGuire family, bringing that family bond full circle.

Those who knew John will remember him for his kindness, compassion, athleticism, quick wit, and strong vocal cords. He had a big personality, a big heart, and a willingness to help anyone who needed him.

John's life was one of service, family, recovery, and perseverance. His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the people he helped, and the many lives he touched.

The family will receive visitors at Woody’s Funeral Home Parham-Chapel on Wednesday November 04, 2026 between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Woody’s Funeral Home Parham-Chapel on Thursday November 05, 2026 at 10 am. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Ashland, Virginia, where military honors will be rendered.

John will be deeply missed, but he will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him.