Submit a PhotoJohn arrived on this earth 80 years ago and has left it a much better place through his warm smile, dedication and devotion to his family and his career. He will be dearly missed!
John is survived by his wife Carol (who he met on a blind date and married 7 months later). They were married 53 years. He also leaves behind his devoted daughter Jennifer Anne and her husband Michael Swain, his loving son John Jr. and his wife Laura and their two beautiful children Glenn Edward and Claire Louise, whom he absolutely adored. John Jr. retired this past April as a Lieutenant in the Chicago Police Department with 25 years of service, following in his father’s footsteps.
He was born and raised in Chicago and always wanted to be a fireman. Growing up, he hung around the firehouse whenever he could. The firemen welcomed him and his mother always knew where to find him. But as it turned out he didn’t end up on the Chicago Fire Department, but rather the Chicago Police Department.
He had an outstanding career on the force working patrol, task force, secretary to the Commander and also spending 10 years downtown as a Police Dispatcher and training other dispatchers. When he retired, he accepted the position of Crossing Guard Supervisor for the City of Chicago. He managed over 900 crossing guards.
He worked for the City of Chicago for a total of 50 years. He was sworn for 33 years as a Police Officer and 17 years as the Crossing Guard Supervisor before retiring to Arizona in 2016 with his entire family.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297. A viewing will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021 from 9:00AM to Noon, followed by a Service and remarks from the family.
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Uncle Jack had the kindest heart, told the best stories that would leave your belly hurting for days after, he worked so hard and was a man with true character and integrity- to say he will be greatly missed is an understatement. All who had the honor to know him; loved him fiercely. Until we meet again, my “bumps” friend <3
It was an honor to be accepted into Jack’s family and spend his final days with him. I am indebted to him for his life of service to others and to his dedication to his family. I am grateful for the love of his daughter, Jennifer and his wife, Carol. I will spend the rest of my days days doing my best to live up to the expectations that Jack had for his daughter and I will provide a shoulder and support for Carol and Jennifer during this trying time.
God speed, Jack, you will be missed.
It was an honor to spend what turned out to be some of Jack’s last days with him. I am indebted to him for his lifetime of service to others and his dedication to his family. I will spend the rest of my days doing my best to live up to the expectations that he had for his daughter, Jennifer and I will be a shoulder of support to her and to his wife, Carol during this trying time. Jack welcomed me into his family and into his home and I will never forget him for that. God speed, Jack, you will be missed.
I am a close friend of Jennifer Anne. I remember as a teenager her Dad always being there for her. I am sure it tested his patience maybe all the years dealing with criminals prepared him. He was the best. He always welcomed me in his home, and I always enjoyed our conversations. I saw him not long ago and he was in great spirits. He was so happy living in Arizona, beyond thrilled that his Son John was finally living their and Jennifer Anne was getting married. I wish he could have enjoyed the fruits of his labor for a longer period of time. I like to think his work was done here and God needs him now.
It is with heavy heart that I lost my ole partner and one of my good friends. Johnny made coming to work fun. He was one of the best Police Officers the Chicago Police Department ever had. I will remember the wild times we had during the course of our job and the laughs we shared. He always put his family first. You will be missed Magic. Until we meet again on the other side.
Knew John from the 002, John was a good man🙏
I worked with John in the 2nd Dist back in the early 70 s 51st Wentworth one of the worst Dists in the city of Chicago John was a policeman policeman he tried to be the first car on the scene of an In Progress Call. We later worked together I the Eight. Dist again In the early 90 s John never changed one of the most aggressive officers on the watch He always had a kind word to say everyday. I remember attending his retirement party I think Touch of Class he was so happy that his great career was coming to an end . Wait it wasn’t over he became crossing guard supervisor for the city of Chicago south southwest side . Talked to him numerous times after he took that job he was very happy with it . He never slowed down even with the heart problems he had. Again he was my hero and I was proud to call him friend . John you will be missed by all RIP ole friend of 50 years plus .
I met John when I was assigned to CPD Headquarters and he was working as the Crossing Guard Supervisor. We immediately hit it off when he discovered that I too was a life long Fire Fan and somehow ended up as the Police. He had great stories about fanning with Engine 23, and I loved everyone that he told. My condolences to the family of a great guy.
3-3-5 my friend. In the vernacular of the Chicago Fire Department this indicates a Return to Quarters. RIP my friend and thanks for your 1/2 century of service.
Very sorry John was a great guy and a very good partner.
My condolences to the family. During my 30 years on the CPD I never had the honor of meeting Jack. However we met recently at the CPD retiree luncheons here in Arizona. It turned out we had some mutual friends and great stories to tell. Although I only knew him a few months he will be missed.
It was a pleasure to get to know John while working at Police Headquarters. He was a delightful man. God Rest His Soul.
My condolences to John’s Family. I worked with John for four years as a Crossing Guard Coordinator. John was a Great Guy who loved and dedicated to his family. He was a dedicated police officer and Crossing Guard Coordinator. We had many good times I learned a lot from him. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace old friend.
Carol and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, he was a good man and a good friend.
Sorry for your loss John. May you and your family be comforted by your memories of your Dad.
I worked with John those many years in the 008th District. He was a good caring police officer and was always willing to give a helping hand.
My heart hurt when I heard about Jens dad passing. I have been friends with her for almost 35 years so her dad has become like a dad to me as well. We all would sit outside for our morning coffee listening to dad tell stories (extremely exaggerated of course lol) trying to make us laugh till we cried. Telling stories of our teenage years when he would get an occasional call that started out something like…”Um, Dad, we’re kinda in a bit of trouble can you…..” and before we knew it Dad and his badge were there to rescue us, like he was our own personal hero. I believe he will not only be with us in spirit but forever in our memories. I hope you are at peace now dad, you’ll be missed but never forgotten, I love you. To the rest of the family, please know that I will be with you in spirt even if I can’t be there in person. I am here if you need ANYTHING XO
John, I am praying for strength and peace for both you and your family during this most difficult time. I send you and your family my deepest condolences for the loss your father. God Bless!
My condolences on the loss of a truly great guy. My path crossed with “Magic” a few times in my career and have been more pleasurable than words can express. He went out of his way to help a fellow officer and was always good for a laugh. Rest In Peace my friend.
Jack and I came on the job within weeks of each other and were partnered up while in A1TF. My girlfriend, Pat, at the time (later to be my wife) knew Carol, whom I’d never met at the time, and of course I knew Jack. Who my girlfriend never met. The two of us set up a blind date between Jack and Carol and the rest is history. Jack and Carol got married one week before we did. Our families have been in each other’s lives since then. Jack has been more than a friend and he will never be forgotten.
My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Carol and his children, John & Jennifer and the grandchildren Glenn & Claire.
May he Rest In Peace.
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. John will be remembered at the next Police Mass.
In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: http://www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]