John “Jack” Gaugh Hollingsworth, 85, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on January 18, 2024. Jack was born on August 20, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri to parents James and Florence Hollingsworth. He was the younger brother to sister Jane (Burns).
Following 12 years of education at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Jack attended and graduated from Oklahoma State after an illustrious basketball career under the legendary Hank Iba. Jack then attended dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. After graduating from dental school, Jack served his country in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1966 in the Operative Dentistry division. Upon completion of this military service, Jack relocated to Manhattan, Kansas with his wife Mary (Griffith) to start their family of five children. Jack continued his dental practice for the next 28 years in Manhattan.
Thereafter, Jack moved back to his hometown of Wichita, Kansas and continued practicing dentistry until retiring in 2013 concluding his 49-year career. Jack served on numerous dental boards, including the Academy of Dentistry for Children, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Kansas Dental Association, the Golden Belt, and the Wichita Dental Association. Jack was also on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Health Professions at Wichita State University.
Jack was a devout member of The Catholic Church of the Magdalen, where he actively participated in such ministries as Perpetual Adoration and the ministry for those incarcerated. As an avid sports fan, Jack was passionate about Notre Dame football, Kansas State football and basketball, Wichita girls’ and boys’ basketball, his Oklahoma State Cowboys, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs. Jack also enjoyed reading, history, politics; and had such a huge heart for his family pets.
Jack was the beloved father of five children, Ginger (John) McCabe, Jane Hollingsworth-Farrell, Amy Hollingsworth, John Hollingsworth, and Ann Dreifort. He is the beloved Papa of Jack, Matt, Will, Molly McCabe; Luke Farrell; Jake, Ford, and Ben Dreifort; and Zach Hollingsworth. He was preceded in death by his parents, James, and Florence Hollingsworth; his sister, Jane Burns; and his two children Amy and John Hollingsworth.
The celebration of Jack Hollingsworth’s life will take place on Saturday, January 27th at The Catholic Church of Magdalen with a Visitation from 9-10am, immediately following the visitation will be a rosary and mass. Committal service will be held at Lakeview Funeral Home and Cemetery.
Memorial foundation: Meadowlark Adult Care Homes, 7607 East Harry Street, Wichita, Kansas, 67207 And/Or Catholic Church of the Magdalen, 12626 East 21st Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67206.
