|
Following is the text of the obituary for our classmate John (Jack) McCabe:
John “Jack” Nelson McCabe, 77, of Evanston IL, passed away on March 18, 2024 in Geneva surrounded by his family. He was born on April 1, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan to his parents Newell and Marylee (McConnell) McCabe. He was united in marriage to Jerrilynn (Engeln) McCabe on December 28, 1968 in Evanston IL.
Shortly after getting married he went on to proudly serve his country in the Vietnam War in 1969 with the Army. When he returned home, he started work with his father at Midwest Jobbers doing sales. Jack and Jerri went on to have two sons. Jack was very involved with his children and he was a soccer coach, and a cub scout master for troop #153. Jack and Jerri were very involved at Calvary Episcopal Church in Batavia IL. Some of Jack’s interests were golfing, and traveling the world with his wife.
Jack is survived by his wife Jerri, his two sons Brian (Beth) McCabe and Brad (Isadora) McCabe; His precious grandchildren Keigan, Maisie, and Inara McCabe; His sisters Joan Buckmaster and Nancy (Bruce) Symonds; A sister-in-law Sharon Murphy; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers-in-law Larry Buckmaster and Tom Murphy.
Jerri would like to express gratitude for the support she has received from her sons, Sharon, Joan, Nancy, Jane, Dorothy, and Sue.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Tunnels to Towers https://t2t.org/ or Calvary Episcopal Church https://calvaryepiscopalbatavia.church/
A memorial service will be held at a later date https://tributearchive.com/obituaries/31038645/john-jack-nelson-mccabe/batavia/moss-family-funeral-homes
|
Stephen Bruhn
Jack and I met as sophmores at ETHS. A group of us became close friends and would sometimes meet at Jack's house for a poker game. As friends would would stay in touch when we all went off to college. All of us played on a 16" softball team during the summers and it was at Jack's house that I introduced my future wife to my high school friends. For the past 25 years six of us (Greg Udell, Charlie Thompson, Norm Swanson, Tom Payne, Jack and me) and our spouses would meet for dinner once or twice a year. Those of us who could make it met in December. Jack was a good friend and will be missed by all.
Judith Myerson (Laitman)
My favorite memory of Jack was at Haven. He and I sat next each other. I had kicked off one of my loafers and Jack picked it up and passed it to someone who passed it to someone else so that when I tried to find it, it was across the room. The teacher was not entertained by my lack of a shoe although the rest of us were. Jack and I shared that joke often when we met later in life. His joy will be missed in the world.
Chuck Thompson (Thompson)
Jack was a truly a nice person. He will be missed.
Alison Van Swearingen (Brown)
Oh no, not another one! Jack and Gerri came to The Villages in Florida to see the late Jim Brown (NT '64) and me, staying with us for a few days. What fun we had! Jack and Jim became fast friends and it was wonderful to spend time with Gerri, whom I knew pretty well from our ETHS days. Jack will be missed as will his friendship. RIP, friend.
Melvin "Rommie" Taylor
Wow ! What a blow. I am saddened and want to extend my condolences to John's family and wife and classmate Jerri. I always had the most respect and admiration for John. I know it is difficult on all of us to keep expressing these strong feelings for our classmates and their spouses but we have a very special bond that we have formed over the years ( Decades) that makes our classmates SPECIAL !! Jerri and I go back to Skiles Junior High and she has always been kind, friendly and warm towards me. No head fakes just a great individual with high character and sincere motivations. Again, the ETHS Class of 1964 is the REAL DEAL !!!
I am proud to be a classmate of all our graduating Class of 1964 . Please join me in supporting Jerri now and in the future!!!!!
Rommie HOF Honorary Captain
Jacqueline Clare (Louis)
I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. We were neighbors and often walked to grade school together. He always had a big smile on his face. My sympathies to Jerrie and the rest of his family. I know he will be dearly missed.
Sherwin "Jay" Siegall
Rommie: your thoughts so well stated and echo my sentiments toward our class of 64. I've only come to know Jack and Jerri more thru this site and have now had connection with them and their journey. My most sincere condolences to their family and love and best wishes to Jerri for health and strength.
Gregory Udell
Just so sad to hear of Jack's passing. He will be missed by all of us. I would also like to echo Steve's comments above. Jack's house and the poker parties he regularly hosted formed the epicenter of our activities together including during the years immediately following our graduation from ETHS. Those evenings were massively fun and enjoyed by all who "attended". BTW: the evenings were often punctuated by Tom Payne entertaining us on the piano. Certainly the most carefree time in my life. Of course, the "real world" soon intruded. Since then it's been great fun to revisit the joy of those times with Jack and to renew our friendships. Again, we will dearly miss Jack.