The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona,
Friday, January 08, 2016
John J. "Jack" McDonald
Mrs. McDonald's favorite son, Retired Chicago fire fighter
Mr. John J. McDonald, 80, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Dec. 26, 2015 at Page Springs Living in Cornville, Arizona. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on Nov. 1, 1935 to the late Michael M. McDonald and Mary (McGarry) McDonald who he was devoted to until their passing.
Mr. McDonald, Jack, moved to Prescott, Arizona after he retired from the Chicago Fire Department in 1987. His career with the Chicago Fire Department encompassed eight years as a firefighter on the Snorkel Squad - a special unit trained to handle extreme incidences throughout the city, and 11 years as a Fire Lieutenant with the fire Prevention Bureau and Lieutenant in the field.
Jack graduated from St. Rita High School in 1953 and attended the University of Illinois.
During his service in the Army, he was a Supply Sergeant in Germany.
Jack was an animal lover - especially dogs and horses and enjoyed the "Sport of Kings" having owned several racehorses over the years - his favorite being one of his last horses "Mame's Game."
Over the years, Jack participated in many sports and hobbies - racquetball, scuba diving, golf, chess, traveling, horse racing and took up painting watercolors in his early 40s. He enjoyed playing chess with his best friend Dr. David Duncan.
Jack with be dearly missed by his good friends George and Joy Renak, David and Carmella Duncan, and Annette Shuette.
Jack is survived by his sister-in-law Carol McDonald of Chicago, Illinois; nine nephews and six nieces who are scattered all over the country from the Pacific to the Atlantic and North and South. Jack had a special place in his heart for the Apple of his eye and devoted niece Colleen McDonald and his gentle special nephew "Tommy" McElligott (deceased).
He was predeceased by his brothers, Thomas G. and wife Margaret McDonald of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Michael J. McDonald of Chicago, Illinois; and his sisters and husbands, Eileen M. and William McElligott of Chicago, Illinois, Dolores and Henry Hoholik of Chicago, Illinois.
There will be a Veterans Memorial service for Jack in April that will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Jack's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, ASPCA or Charity of choice.
Information provided by survivors.
Friday, January 08, 2016
John J. "Jack" McDonald
Mrs. McDonald's favorite son, Retired Chicago fire fighter
Mr. John J. McDonald, 80, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Dec. 26, 2015 at Page Springs Living in Cornville, Arizona. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on Nov. 1, 1935 to the late Michael M. McDonald and Mary (McGarry) McDonald who he was devoted to until their passing.
Mr. McDonald, Jack, moved to Prescott, Arizona after he retired from the Chicago Fire Department in 1987. His career with the Chicago Fire Department encompassed eight years as a firefighter on the Snorkel Squad - a special unit trained to handle extreme incidences throughout the city, and 11 years as a Fire Lieutenant with the fire Prevention Bureau and Lieutenant in the field.
Jack graduated from St. Rita High School in 1953 and attended the University of Illinois.
During his service in the Army, he was a Supply Sergeant in Germany.
Jack was an animal lover - especially dogs and horses and enjoyed the "Sport of Kings" having owned several racehorses over the years - his favorite being one of his last horses "Mame's Game."
Over the years, Jack participated in many sports and hobbies - racquetball, scuba diving, golf, chess, traveling, horse racing and took up painting watercolors in his early 40s. He enjoyed playing chess with his best friend Dr. David Duncan.
Jack with be dearly missed by his good friends George and Joy Renak, David and Carmella Duncan, and Annette Shuette.
Jack is survived by his sister-in-law Carol McDonald of Chicago, Illinois; nine nephews and six nieces who are scattered all over the country from the Pacific to the Atlantic and North and South. Jack had a special place in his heart for the Apple of his eye and devoted niece Colleen McDonald and his gentle special nephew "Tommy" McElligott (deceased).
He was predeceased by his brothers, Thomas G. and wife Margaret McDonald of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Michael J. McDonald of Chicago, Illinois; and his sisters and husbands, Eileen M. and William McElligott of Chicago, Illinois, Dolores and Henry Hoholik of Chicago, Illinois.
There will be a Veterans Memorial service for Jack in April that will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Jack's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, ASPCA or Charity of choice.
Information provided by survivors.