John H. Mcafee Jr.

It is with great sadness that the family of John McAfee announces his passing on March 14, 2023 at the age of 77. After a difficult year of declining health, John passed away peacefully at Northwestern/Palos Community Hospice Care Center with loving family members at his side.

John McAfee was born in February of 1946 to the late John and Gloria McAfee of Flossmoor, IL. He graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School in 1964. During his years at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, he was an athlete in sports including football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, track and field, and golf. John's athleticism earned him a scholarship to William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he played varsity football, at the same time as he pursued his interests in business and sales, and earned a bachelor's of arts degree in economics.

Moving back to Flossmoor after college graduation, John worked for the Flossmoor Public Works Department and joined the Flossmoor Fire Department, initially as a volunteer firefighter, and continued with training to become a certified EMT and paramedic. John was proud and honored to serve the Flossmoor Fire Department and his community from 1971 to 1981.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Christine (née Gottschalk), three brothers, Toby (Jane),
Ken, Mark (Susan), sister, Mary (Kathe), and his sister Madeleine (Clark) who preceded him in death in 2021. John was a beloved uncle to fourteen nieces and nephews.

John focused his professional career on retail and corporate sales, starting with Singer Sewing Machine Company, and then advancing on to commercial sales with Pepperidge Farm, and Crane National Vendors. He enjoyed the challenge and competition of the sales industry, and was able to use his goal-oriented resolve to the benefit of both his clients and his company. He frequently was recruited to be the representative at annual business golf outings.

John and Chris treasured their time together by sharing mutual interests in golf, nature, traveling to explore national, state and county parks, and frequent gatherings with family and friends. They also spent their leisure time over more than 40 years at their house in Homewood creating a peaceful outdoor setting for themselves and neighborhood birds. John and Chris also got great pleasure tending to the John & Gloria McAfee Garden Court on the property of Flossmoor Community Church, where it was created to honor John's parents' service to the church over many years. John was quick to help his neighbors any way he could, including solving routine car problems, diagnosing lawn mower engine dilemmas, or clearing snow from their sidewalks.

A perfect weekend for John would start with a round of golf, work time in the garage and yard to keep the house picture perfect, a quick motorcycle ride on an open country road, squeeze in time to wash down the motorcycle and cars, then finishing the day by relaxing in the peacefulness of his backyard retreat.

To celebrate his life, a visitation will be held April 30 at Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchison Rd. Flossmoor, IL 60422 , beginning at 1 pm, memorial service from 2 to 3 pm, followed by a reception at the church's Fellowship Hall.

The ceremony will be lived streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@fccfaithful/streams

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending memorial contributions in his name to First Tee, Hammond Youth Golf Academy at Lost Marsh Golf Course, TiffaniEnglish@thefirstteehammond.org; Pay It Forward Christmas Charity, Inc/Non-profit, 1009 E Ave East, Albia, IA, 52531; a charity of your choice.  For Funeral information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.