Memories of Joseph "Jack" J McGuire | Ever Loved

Notifications

No notifications

Load more

In memory of

Joseph "Jack" J McGuire

Wheaton

February 7, 1925 - December 5, 2020

Feb 7, 1925 - Dec 5, 2020

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a gift to Vitas Community Connection.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Story

Condolence

Year (Optional)

Location (Optional)

Caption

YouTube/Facebook/Vimeo Link

Caption

Who is in this photo?

Or start with a template for inspiration

About you

What was your relationship to Jack?

Cancel

By posting this memory, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Jill McGuire

16 years ago today, we celebrated Jack’s 80th birthday with a wonderful surprise party, inviting family and friends to join us in a private showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s REBECCA: Jack’s favorite 40’s classic movie. Every year since then, Jack and I celebrated his birthday together by . . . you guessed it . . . watching REBECCA.

So tonight, I’ll be sitting in Jack’s chair watching REBECCA once again, thinking of him, and undoubtedly discovering something new, as we always seemed to do together.

Read More Read Less

1

Jill McGuire

Chris Gerardi

Dear Jill,

Thanks for calling today and again my deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers for your loss. Jack was a special man and your devotion and love for Jack was always inspiring to me.

The good news is that he is at peace now with our Lord and will always be remembered by those of us that had the fortune to know both of you!

Sincerely,
Chris

Read More Read Less

1

1

Jill McGuire

Comments:

Jill McGuire

Many thanks, Chris!. My sincerest appreciation to you and everyone at HomeHelpers for your kindness and invaluable... Read more Many thanks, Chris!. My sincerest appreciation to you and everyone at HomeHelpers for your kindness and invaluable support over... Read more Many thanks, Chris!. My sincerest appreciation to you... Read more

Matthew McGuire

Portillo's Hot Dogs, West Ontario Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

July 2009. "When in Rome". No visit to Chicago is complete without a hot dog!

Read More Read Less

1

Jill McGuire

Please consider a gift to Vitas Community Connection.

$525.00

Raised by 7 people

Learn more & give

Matthew McGuire

Chicago, IL, USA

Not exactly sure when this was taken but always one of my favorite portraits of my dad.

Read More Read Less

1

Jill McGuire

Nena Girsch

Jack McGuire was one of a kind! I loved his spirit, curiosity, laughter and wit! Jack’s energy and smiles will live on for us with fondest memories! Love, hugs and support to Jill and Family!

Read More Read Less

In response to "What always reminds you of Jack?"

1

1

Jill McGuire

Comments:

Jill McGuire

Thank you, NENA. Yes...so many wonderful memories of our fun times together on land & sea! Wishing you a ... Read more Thank you, NENA. Yes...so many wonderful memories of our fun times together on land & sea! Wishing you a better, safer & more ... Read more Thank you, NENA. Yes...so many wonderful memories of... Read more

Mary Lu Laffey

Whenever I think about Jack, I have to smile. I liked him the minute we met on a media trip to Rome. He struck me as a sincere, Midwestern guy who loved to listen as much as share stories or a song. All of which he did with style. As I settled in for the flight, I glanced over at himself; he was slipping off his shoes and sliding into a pair of Gucci slippers. It was a quintessential Jack moment. Following that trip, I am so happy that we remained colleagues, became friends and stayed faithful cohorts who treasured the transformative nature of travel. As an editor, I loved to share his stories (and Jill’s photos) with readers; without realizing it, the two of them changed many lives for the better, including mine. Rest in peace, dear Jack.
Mary Lu Laffey, Holland, Michigan

Read More Read Less

1

1

Jill McGuire

Comments:

Jill McGuire

Dear Mary Lu,

Thank you for sharing this special tribute. Reading about your "quintessential Jack moment"... Read more Dear Mary Lu,

Thank you for sharing this special tribute. Reading about your "quintessential Jack moment" made me smile. Yep,... Read more Dear Mary Lu,

Thank you for sharing this special tribute.... Read more

Jill McGuire

CrossPoint Ministry ADVENT Blog - Dec. 23, 2020

Read More Read Less

1

Comments:

Jill McGuire

For others who may also be grieving during this Advent Season, may the wisdom of these words help give you the strength to carry on.

ADVENT: GRIEF. GRATITUDE. HOPE. by Joy Cofield

In our American culture we are blessed that Thanksgiving segues into the Advent Season of Christmas. This year, we celebrated the holiday (the Holy Day) of giving thanks 2 days before the first day of Advent began.

2020 has been a whirlwind of life changing situations for all of us in some way. Not just all of us in our families, workplace, and churches, but ALL of us across the world.

Since Oct. 30, 2019, Jim and I have lost 9 people in our lives. Three of them were of our elder generation on Jim’s side of the family including his father, his father’s sister, and his maternal uncle all within the ages of 89-93. Two of the nine were lost to Covid-19. Two were lost to suicide. Two passed away from other grave illnesses that ended their lives “way before their time.”

Many of you as parents have had to change your whole life rhythm because of the COVID-19 precautionary measures being put in place across the country and the world. Working from home and making sure your children are being educated through online courses, or homeschooling is INDEED, a major ongoing challenge.

Along with the process of the presidential election and racial justice concerns within our country there is so much stress in the world that has never been experienced in this particular way when all the factors are considered.

Whether there is loss because of deaths or loss of a life that “used to be”, I am venturing to say, that ALL of us are experiencing grief in some shape or form. That is, we are trying to process our internal thoughts and feelings about our losses. Yet, when we express this grief outwardly we are in the process of mourning. The emotions of sadness, anger, hopelessness and others not named are all in play during the process of grief which takes as long as it takes.

During the month before Thanksgiving, I was realizing more and more each day, that to manage or walk through all of this personal grief and the grief within the world during this pandemic, we have to name something that we are grateful for. Gratitude must walk alongside of grief in order for us to begin to heal individually which, in the long run, will help others in their own path of grief. Having a thankful heart in the midst of pain and disorder will help us to be gracious to ourselves, to God, and to others instead of becoming embittered with the situation around us. For myself, it has to be a daily practice not just once or twice but as many times as possible. Expressing gratitude IS a Christian spiritual practice. The Scripture verse, I Thessalonians 5:18, says we need to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

My first thought, every time I’ve read that verse through the years is: “How can God really expect me to give thanks in everything?” At this point I know I have to trust Him fully that He gives each of us the grace, strength, and courage to do this. He has given us the ability to be thankful so as not to become embittered even in our grief, especially in our world today.

So, to all of you dear good people who love Christ and may be discouraged at the year you’ve had, what a blessing to be able to enter into the season of Advent! How appropriate and wonderful that the theme for this first week is HOPE! Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For unto us a child is born…These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.” Thank goodness for the hope that the prophets foretold of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as a baby.

King David was pretty discouraged in his song of Psalm 39:6-7, Out of 13 verses of claiming how life was grievous for him, right smack in the middle of his narrative, he says: “And, so Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” It’s interesting how many times in the Psalms, David describes over and over again that his HOPE is in the Lord.

Through all of Scripture, we are reminded that Christ is our HOPE for eternal life, for daily life of all things adverse, and joyful.

Advent comes from a Latin term that means “Coming Arrival.” To me, hope is always waiting for something or someone to arrive that will make life more fulfilling, peaceful, healing or rewarding. Hope is always in the dance of someone coming or something happening that will make life better or peaceful. How marvelous that Christ gives us an invitation and an opportunity to make the choice to move into this “dance” of HOPE with Him, THE PRINCE OF PEACE!

And, of course, I cannot forget the children in all of this. The Lord is giving all of us opportunity from this past year to help the children in our lives know what to do with their disappointments, sadness, anger, frustration, i.e. their grief that they are mourning outwardly sometimes in the way they may “act out.” We have a choice to teach them about having a spirit of gratitude in the midst of “what cannot be.” We have a responsibility to give them HOPE for today and for the future. Gratitude is a healing balm for them as well as for all of us. I encourage all of us to be creative in the ways we help them to be grateful, to share, and to have the wonderful hope that all comes through the presence of Christ.

The peace of Christ gives us hope. The hope that comes from our trust in Christ gives us peace. Blessed Advent to you all.

For others who may also be grieving during this Advent Season, may the wisdom of these words help give you... Read more the strength to carry on.

ADVENT: GRIEF. GRATITUDE. HOPE. by Joy Cofield

In our American culture we are blessed that Thanksgiving segues into the Advent Season of Christmas. This year, we celebrated the holiday (the Holy Day) of giving thanks 2 days before the first day of Advent began.

2020 has been a whirlwind of life changing situations for all of us in some way. Not just all of us in our families, workplace, and churches, but ALL of us across the world.

Since Oct. 30, 2019, Jim and I have lost 9 people in our lives. Three of them were of our elder generation on Jim’s side of the family including his father, his father’s sister, and his maternal uncle all within the ages of 89-93. Two of the nine were lost to Covid-19. Two were lost to suicide. Two passed away from other grave illnesses that ended their lives “way before their time.”

Many of you as parents have had to change your whole life rhythm because of the COVID-19 precautionary measures being put in place across the country and the world. Working from home and making sure your children are being educated through online courses, or homeschooling is INDEED, a major ongoing challenge.

Along with the process of the presidential election and racial justice concerns within our country there is so much stress in the world that has never been experienced in this particular way when all the factors are considered.

Whether there is loss because of deaths or loss of a life that “used to be”, I am venturing to say, that ALL of us are experiencing grief in some shape or form. That is, we are trying to process our internal thoughts and feelings about our losses. Yet, when we express this grief outwardly we are in the process of mourning. The emotions of sadness, anger, hopelessness and others not named are all in play during the process of grief which takes as long as it takes.

During the month before Thanksgiving, I was realizing more and more each day, that to manage or walk through all of this personal grief and the grief within the world during this pandemic, we have to name something that we are grateful for. Gratitude must walk alongside of grief in order for us to begin to heal individually which, in the long run, will help others in their own path of grief. Having a thankful heart in the midst of pain and disorder will help us to be gracious to ourselves, to God, and to others instead of becoming embittered with the situation around us. For myself, it has to be a daily practice not just once or twice but as many times as possible. Expressing gratitude IS a Christian spiritual practice. The Scripture verse, I Thessalonians 5:18, says we need to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

My first thought, every time I’ve read that verse through the years is: “How can God really expect me to give thanks in everything?” At this point I know I have to trust Him fully that He gives each of us the grace, strength, and courage to do this. He has given us the ability to be thankful so as not to become embittered even in our grief, especially in our world today.

So, to all of you dear good people who love Christ and may be discouraged at the year you’ve had, what a blessing to be able to enter into the season of Advent! How appropriate and wonderful that the theme for this first week is HOPE! Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For unto us a child is born…These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.” Thank goodness for the hope that the prophets foretold of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as a baby.

King David was pretty discouraged in his song of Psalm 39:6-7, Out of 13 verses of claiming how life was grievous for him, right smack in the middle of his narrative, he says: “And, so Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” It’s interesting how many times in the Psalms, David describes over and over again that his HOPE is in the Lord.

Through all of Scripture, we are reminded that Christ is our HOPE for eternal life, for daily life of all things adverse, and joyful.

Advent comes from a Latin term that means “Coming Arrival.” To me, hope is always waiting for something or someone to arrive that will make life more fulfilling, peaceful, healing or rewarding. Hope is always in the dance of someone coming or something happening that will make life better or peaceful. How marvelous that Christ gives us an invitation and an opportunity to make the choice to move into this “dance” of HOPE with Him, THE PRINCE OF PEACE!

And, of course, I cannot forget the children in all of this. The Lord is giving all of us opportunity from this past year to help the children in our lives know what to do with their disappointments, sadness, anger, frustration, i.e. their grief that they are mourning outwardly sometimes in the way they may “act out.” We have a choice to teach them about having a spirit of gratitude in the midst of “what cannot be.” We have a responsibility to give them HOPE for today and for the future. Gratitude is a healing balm for them as well as for all of us. I encourage all of us to be creative in the ways we help them to be grateful, to share, and to have the wonderful hope that all comes through the presence of Christ.

The peace of Christ gives us hope. The hope that comes from our trust in Christ gives us peace. Blessed Advent to you all. Read less For others who may also be grieving during this Advent Season, may the wisdom of these words help give you the strength to carry... Read more on.

ADVENT: GRIEF. GRATITUDE. HOPE. by Joy Cofield

In our American culture we are blessed that Thanksgiving segues into the Advent Season of Christmas. This year, we celebrated the holiday (the Holy Day) of giving thanks 2 days before the first day of Advent began.

2020 has been a whirlwind of life changing situations for all of us in some way. Not just all of us in our families, workplace, and churches, but ALL of us across the world.

Since Oct. 30, 2019, Jim and I have lost 9 people in our lives. Three of them were of our elder generation on Jim’s side of the family including his father, his father’s sister, and his maternal uncle all within the ages of 89-93. Two of the nine were lost to Covid-19. Two were lost to suicide. Two passed away from other grave illnesses that ended their lives “way before their time.”

Many of you as parents have had to change your whole life rhythm because of the COVID-19 precautionary measures being put in place across the country and the world. Working from home and making sure your children are being educated through online courses, or homeschooling is INDEED, a major ongoing challenge.

Along with the process of the presidential election and racial justice concerns within our country there is so much stress in the world that has never been experienced in this particular way when all the factors are considered.

Whether there is loss because of deaths or loss of a life that “used to be”, I am venturing to say, that ALL of us are experiencing grief in some shape or form. That is, we are trying to process our internal thoughts and feelings about our losses. Yet, when we express this grief outwardly we are in the process of mourning. The emotions of sadness, anger, hopelessness and others not named are all in play during the process of grief which takes as long as it takes.

During the month before Thanksgiving, I was realizing more and more each day, that to manage or walk through all of this personal grief and the grief within the world during this pandemic, we have to name something that we are grateful for. Gratitude must walk alongside of grief in order for us to begin to heal individually which, in the long run, will help others in their own path of grief. Having a thankful heart in the midst of pain and disorder will help us to be gracious to ourselves, to God, and to others instead of becoming embittered with the situation around us. For myself, it has to be a daily practice not just once or twice but as many times as possible. Expressing gratitude IS a Christian spiritual practice. The Scripture verse, I Thessalonians 5:18, says we need to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

My first thought, every time I’ve read that verse through the years is: “How can God really expect me to give thanks in everything?” At this point I know I have to trust Him fully that He gives each of us the grace, strength, and courage to do this. He has given us the ability to be thankful so as not to become embittered even in our grief, especially in our world today.

So, to all of you dear good people who love Christ and may be discouraged at the year you’ve had, what a blessing to be able to enter into the season of Advent! How appropriate and wonderful that the theme for this first week is HOPE! Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For unto us a child is born…These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.” Thank goodness for the hope that the prophets foretold of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as a baby.

King David was pretty discouraged in his song of Psalm 39:6-7, Out of 13 verses of claiming how life was grievous for him, right smack in the middle of his narrative, he says: “And, so Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” It’s interesting how many times in the Psalms, David describes over and over again that his HOPE is in the Lord.

Through all of Scripture, we are reminded that Christ is our HOPE for eternal life, for daily life of all things adverse, and joyful.

Advent comes from a Latin term that means “Coming Arrival.” To me, hope is always waiting for something or someone to arrive that will make life more fulfilling, peaceful, healing or rewarding. Hope is always in the dance of someone coming or something happening that will make life better or peaceful. How marvelous that Christ gives us an invitation and an opportunity to make the choice to move into this “dance” of HOPE with Him, THE PRINCE OF PEACE!

And, of course, I cannot forget the children in all of this. The Lord is giving all of us opportunity from this past year to help the children in our lives know what to do with their disappointments, sadness, anger, frustration, i.e. their grief that they are mourning outwardly sometimes in the way they may “act out.” We have a choice to teach them about having a spirit of gratitude in the midst of “what cannot be.” We have a responsibility to give them HOPE for today and for the future. Gratitude is a healing balm for them as well as for all of us. I encourage all of us to be creative in the ways we help them to be grateful, to share, and to have the wonderful hope that all comes through the presence of Christ.

The peace of Christ gives us hope. The hope that comes from our trust in Christ gives us peace. Blessed Advent to you all. Read less For others who may also be grieving during this Advent... Read more Season, may the wisdom of these words help give you the strength to carry on.

ADVENT: GRIEF. GRATITUDE. HOPE. by Joy Cofield

In our American culture we are blessed that Thanksgiving segues into the Advent Season of Christmas. This year, we celebrated the holiday (the Holy Day) of giving thanks 2 days before the first day of Advent began.

2020 has been a whirlwind of life changing situations for all of us in some way. Not just all of us in our families, workplace, and churches, but ALL of us across the world.

Since Oct. 30, 2019, Jim and I have lost 9 people in our lives. Three of them were of our elder generation on Jim’s side of the family including his father, his father’s sister, and his maternal uncle all within the ages of 89-93. Two of the nine were lost to Covid-19. Two were lost to suicide. Two passed away from other grave illnesses that ended their lives “way before their time.”

Many of you as parents have had to change your whole life rhythm because of the COVID-19 precautionary measures being put in place across the country and the world. Working from home and making sure your children are being educated through online courses, or homeschooling is INDEED, a major ongoing challenge.

Along with the process of the presidential election and racial justice concerns within our country there is so much stress in the world that has never been experienced in this particular way when all the factors are considered.

Whether there is loss because of deaths or loss of a life that “used to be”, I am venturing to say, that ALL of us are experiencing grief in some shape or form. That is, we are trying to process our internal thoughts and feelings about our losses. Yet, when we express this grief outwardly we are in the process of mourning. The emotions of sadness, anger, hopelessness and others not named are all in play during the process of grief which takes as long as it takes.

During the month before Thanksgiving, I was realizing more and more each day, that to manage or walk through all of this personal grief and the grief within the world during this pandemic, we have to name something that we are grateful for. Gratitude must walk alongside of grief in order for us to begin to heal individually which, in the long run, will help others in their own path of grief. Having a thankful heart in the midst of pain and disorder will help us to be gracious to ourselves, to God, and to others instead of becoming embittered with the situation around us. For myself, it has to be a daily practice not just once or twice but as many times as possible. Expressing gratitude IS a Christian spiritual practice. The Scripture verse, I Thessalonians 5:18, says we need to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

My first thought, every time I’ve read that verse through the years is: “How can God really expect me to give thanks in everything?” At this point I know I have to trust Him fully that He gives each of us the grace, strength, and courage to do this. He has given us the ability to be thankful so as not to become embittered even in our grief, especially in our world today.

So, to all of you dear good people who love Christ and may be discouraged at the year you’ve had, what a blessing to be able to enter into the season of Advent! How appropriate and wonderful that the theme for this first week is HOPE! Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For unto us a child is born…These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.” Thank goodness for the hope that the prophets foretold of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as a baby.

King David was pretty discouraged in his song of Psalm 39:6-7, Out of 13 verses of claiming how life was grievous for him, right smack in the middle of his narrative, he says: “And, so Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” It’s interesting how many times in the Psalms, David describes over and over again that his HOPE is in the Lord.

Through all of Scripture, we are reminded that Christ is our HOPE for eternal life, for daily life of all things adverse, and joyful.

Advent comes from a Latin term that means “Coming Arrival.” To me, hope is always waiting for something or someone to arrive that will make life more fulfilling, peaceful, healing or rewarding. Hope is always in the dance of someone coming or something happening that will make life better or peaceful. How marvelous that Christ gives us an invitation and an opportunity to make the choice to move into this “dance” of HOPE with Him, THE PRINCE OF PEACE!

And, of course, I cannot forget the children in all of this. The Lord is giving all of us opportunity from this past year to help the children in our lives know what to do with their disappointments, sadness, anger, frustration, i.e. their grief that they are mourning outwardly sometimes in the way they may “act out.” We have a choice to teach them about having a spirit of gratitude in the midst of “what cannot be.” We have a responsibility to give them HOPE for today and for the future. Gratitude is a healing balm for them as well as for all of us. I encourage all of us to be creative in the ways we help them to be grateful, to share, and to have the wonderful hope that all comes through the presence of Christ.

The peace of Christ gives us hope. The hope that comes from our trust in Christ gives us peace. Blessed Advent to you all. Read less

Jill McGuire

(I'm posting this message at the request of Jack's nephew Mike Bugbee - thank you, Mike!)

Dear Jill,

I am so sorry for your loss; I know how much you loved each other. Uncle Jack was a big influence on me. He was the only uncle with whom I was in communication; we had several long phone calls over the years and his ironic take on everything was always welcome. I never felt the age difference when I talked with Uncle Jack; he was young at heart and being married to the love of
his life kept him that way. The same things annoyed us and the same things amused us about everything from politics to family members. We shared a complicated, often frustrating relationship
with his younger sister Gerry. Remembering his distinctive chuckle and his gift for mimicry makes me smile. Rebecca and I really appreciated that you both made the effort to come up to our place in the country while you were in California. That was a fun afternoon. I stayed with Uncle Jack when I hitchhiked across the country in 1969 and then again when I was driving across the country with my girlfriend in 1972. He wouldn’t allow us to sleep in the same bed! We just waited until everyone was asleep, which he seemed to know the next morning and acknowledged with one of his funny eyerolls and an amused huff. I am very grateful to have known him.

Read More Read Less

1

Matthew McGuire

Jill McGuire

2014

Winters Scene: A Veterans Day Tribute

Read More Read Less

1

Comments:

Jill McGuire

Jack's Blog on Nov. 10, 2014 begins like this....

"I can’t let Veterans Day slip by without a salute to ... Read more Jack's Blog on Nov. 10, 2014 begins like this....

"I can’t let Veterans Day slip by without a salute to the heroes currently ... Read more Jack's Blog on Nov. 10, 2014 begins like this....

... Read more

Jill McGuire

Carpe Diem!

Read More Read Less

1

1

Jill McGuire

Comments:

Jill McGuire

One of the best decisions Jack and I made was to take each of our grandsons on their very own special 10th... Read more One of the best decisions Jack and I made was to take each of our grandsons on their very own special 10th Birthday Trip with ... Read more One of the best decisions Jack and I made was to take... Read more

Jill McGuire

2

Jill McGuire

Joy Cofield

Jill McGuire

2

Jill McGuire

Joy Cofield

Jill McGuire

2

Jill McGuire

Joy Cofield

Tom Holbrook

Shared a heart

Tom Holbrook

I met Jack McGuire only a few months ago while doing research for an ongoing project on Bozo The Clown.
Bozo? you may ask,...
What does that have to do with Jack?
Well, though Jack stepped into many roles in his incredibly rich life, one role in his youth filled his summer in 1949 with laughs and smiles.
Jack McGuire was a student in theater class who during his college time at Monmouth was hired to portray Bozo The Clown for Capitol Records making numerous appearances at record stores and events as the Capitol Clown promoting Bozo products and Capitol Records. Bozo had only been in the market for three years at this time and to date 70 years later, Jack's involvement with Bozo was known to very few.
In finding Jack's Blog which included a fantastic photo of Jack in full Bozo make-up and I have to say there was no way he could hold back that big smile of his.
I did my research and made contact with Jill who helped me to meet Jack,... Lol we live in the same state! In talking with Jack I was impressed right away and learned more about his time in the service, career in broadcasting, travel and his summer as Bozo. Lol,, I know he was taken back that with all he had done in his life that a researcher and historian would have an interest in one summer in 1949 and his time portraying Bozo.
Jack was more than helpful, understanding my desire to add his story to my research and even signed some photos. I was blessed and I think of him fondly and will call him my friend. Because that what a friend does, help another.

I believe that was the way Jack had always been, the way he lived his life. He was always a class act with Hollywood good looks, his hand of friendship always welcoming to another. Jack McGuire truly lived, rubbed elbows with the stars, traveled the world,... I truly feel and would bet he blessed everyone he met, worked with and who knew him. I know I was blessed to have met him and to learn about him.

Thank you Jack for being you.

My heart and prayers go out to Jill who trusted my desire to contact Jack and to add his story to my research. Thank you as well for making it all possible so I too could know Jack McGuire.

Read More Read Less

2

1

Jill McGuire

Matthew McGuire

Comments:

Jill McGuire

Tom,
Thank you so much for this lovely tribute to Jack and for posting the BOZO photo, which I hoped you ... Read more Tom,
Thank you so much for this lovely tribute to Jack and for posting the BOZO photo, which I hoped you would. Though your paths... Read more Tom,
Thank you so much for this lovely tribute to Jack... Read more

Tom Holbrook

1949, Monmouth, Illinois, USA

Jack McGuire in the Summer of 1949 as Bozo The Capitol Clown

Read More Read Less

2

Matthew McGuire

Jill McGuire

John Settich

Jack would scold me for using a somewhat worn expression to describe him, but he was truly an American original. I met him in the 1970s when we were active in the Publicity Club of Chicago. He was the club president and animating force. His obituary understates his experiences in World War II. He was, as a 19 year old, in the forces that landed on D-Day. His book tells part of the story of his life with his splendid style. I miss his friendship, his clear baritone and his good counsel. We are all richer for having known you, Jack. John F. Settich, December 20, 2020

Read More Read Less

1

1

Jill McGuire

Comments:

Jill McGuire

Hi John - thank you for your kind words about Jack. He always spoke fondly of you and appreciated your calls... Read more Hi John - thank you for your kind words about Jack. He always spoke fondly of you and appreciated your calls and visits during... Read more Hi John - thank you for your kind words about Jack.... Read more

Linda Campanelli

My husband and I met Jack on the phone ten years ago, but in person only 3 years ago.
On the phone, Jack sang happy birthday to us both in his deep
lulling voice. In person, it was magical. He shared the scrapbooks from his earlier days
representing celebrities, and his immensley blessed life as a travel writer. He made a lasting impression. Although I am a close friend of Jill's, I live in the Washington D.C. area, and so my path with Jack never crossed until my husband had a work conference in Chicago and so the
opportunity presented itself.

Read More Read Less

In response to "How did you first meet Jack?"

2

Jill McGuire

Tom Holbrook

Jill McGuire

The Serenity Prayer was Jack's lodestar. He helped make it mine.

Read More Read Less

1

Tom Holbrook

Joy Cofield

Jill,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing .
He lived such a full life in accomplishing so many things that were passionate for him.
About 13-15 years ago, when the 2 of you and My husband, Jim, and I were having breakfast he listened to me about my desire and budding passion for writing. It was the first time I had heard the phrase “ writing from streams of consciousness”. Later, After reading something I had written, he encouraged me to submit it to a couple of places. I didn’t do that at the time, yet I’ve written a blog alternately with 3-4 people for about 5 years for a ministry with whom we work.

Thank you, Jill, for the encouragement both of you gave me to explore and to keep stepping forward into writing.

With all that the 2 of you have lived together during the 43 years of your marriage as best friends and soulmates, I know that you will miss him dearly. You are in our prayers and in our hearts as well.

Thank you for asking me to share what I had written this month on grief.

“Advent: Grief, Gratitude, Hope”
By Joy Cofield. Nov. 26, 2020
In our American culture, we are blessed that Thanksgiving segues into the Advent Season of Christmas. This year, we celebrated the holiday (the Holy Day) of giving thanks 2 days before the first day of Advent began.

2020 has been a whirlwind of life changing situations for all of us in some way. Not just all of us in our families, work place, and churches, but ALL of us across the world.

Since Oct. 30, 2019, Jim and I have lost 9 people in our lives. Three of them were of our elder generation on Jim’s side of the family (89-93 yrs. Of age.) Two of the nine were lost to Covid-19. Two were lost to suicide. Two passed away from other grave illnesses that ended their lives “way before their time.”

Many of you as parents have had to change your whole life rhythm because of the COVID-19 precautionary measures being put in place across the country and the world. Working from home and making sure your children are being educated through online courses, or homeschooling is INDEED, a major ongoing challenge.

Along with the process of the presidential election and racial justice concerns within our country there is so much stress in the world that has never been experienced in this particular way when all the factors are considered.

Whether there is loss because of deaths or loss of a life that “used to be”, I am venturing to say, that ALL of us are experiencing grief in some shape or form. That is, we are trying to process our internal thoughts and feelings about our losses. Yet, when we express this grief outwardly we are in the process of mourning. The emotions of sadness, anger, hopelessness and others not named are all in play during the process of grief which takes as long as it takes.

During the month before Thanksgiving, I was realizing more and more each day, that to manage or walk through all of this personal grief and the grief within the world during this pandemic, we have to name something that we are grateful for. Gratitude must walk alongside of grief in order for us to begin to heal individually which, in the long run, will help others in their own path of grief. Having a thankful heart in the midst of pain and disorder will help us to be gracious to ourselves, to God, and to others instead of becoming embittered with the situation around us. For myself, it has to be a daily practice not just once or twice but as many times as possible. Expressing gratitude IS a Christian spiritual practice. The Scripture verse, I Thessalonians 5:18, says we need to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

My first thought, every time I’ve read that verse through the years is: “How can God really expect me to give thanks in everything?” At this point I know I have to trust Him fully that He gives each of us the grace, strength, and courage to do this. He has given us the ability to be thankful so as not to become embittered even in our grief, especially in our world today.

So, to all of you dear good people who love Christ and may be discouraged at the year you’ve had, what a blessing to be able to enter into the season of Advent! How appropriate and wonderful that the theme for this first week is HOPE! Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For unto us a child is born….These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Thank goodness for the hope that the prophets foretold of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as a baby.

King David was pretty discouraged in his song of Psalm 39:6-7, Out of 13 verses of claiming how life was grievous for him, right smack in the middle of his narrative, he says: “And, so Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” It’s interesting how many times in the Psalms, David describes over and over again that his HOPE is in the Lord.
Through all of Scripture, we are reminded that Christ is our HOPE for eternal life, for daily life of all things adverse, and joyful.
Advent comes from a Latin term that means “Coming Arrival.” To me, hope is always waiting for something or someone to arrive that will make life more fulfilling, peaceful, healing or rewarding. Hope is always in the dance of someone coming or something happening that will make life better or peaceful. How marvelous that Christ gives us an invitation and an opportunity to make the choice to move into this “dance” of HOPE with Him, THE PRINCE OF PEACE!
And, of course, I cannot forget the children in all of this. The Lord is giving all of us opportunity from this past year to help the children in our lives know what to do with their disappointments, sadness, anger, frustration, i.e. their grief that they are mourning outwardly sometimes in the way they may “act out.” We have a choice to teach them about having a spirit of gratitude in the midst of “what cannot be.” We have a responsibility to give them HOPE for today and for the future. Gratitude is a healing balm for them as well as for all of us. I encourage all of us to be creative in the ways we help them to be grateful, to share, and to have the wonderful hope that all comes through the presence of Christ.
The peace of Christ gives us hope. The hope that comes from our trust in Christ gives us peace. Blessed Advent to you all.

Read More Read Less

1

Jill McGuire

Jill McGuire

1

Comments:

Jill McGuire

"Remembering him keeps his spirit alive among us..." - The Final Journal of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin 1997... Read more "Remembering him keeps his spirit alive among us..." - The Final Journal of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin 1997 "Remembering him keeps his spirit alive among us..."... Read more

Rosemary Rahn

Dear Jill, What a lovely tribute you have written about your beloved Jack. I wish our paths had crossed more often as I didn't know him well. What I do remember is the warmth, friendliness and kindness he exuded to others. Love and hugs, Ken and Rosemary Rahn

Read More Read Less

2

1

Jill McGuire

Tom Holbrook

Comments:

Jill McGuire

How very kind. Thanks, Bud. Jack did indeed "exude" many things! Especially laughter. He was just a funny... Read more How very kind. Thanks, Bud. Jack did indeed "exude" many things! Especially laughter. He was just a funny guy. The week before... Read more How very kind. Thanks, Bud. Jack did indeed "exude"... Read more

Matthew McGuire

Shared a heart

Paul Warshauer

Jill asked me to organize a unique birthday party for Jack at the Wheaton Grand Theatre in Wheaton, Illinois many years ago. I rented his favorite film, hired old time uniformed ushers, served historically accurate candy bars / snacks. Jack was truly impressed. What a class act. He was gracious and thanked everyone involved personally.

Read More Read Less

In response to "When was the last time you spent time with Jack?"

2

2

Jill McGuire

Tom Holbrook

Comments:

Jill McGuire

Hi Paul - We were a fantastic team, weren't we? Without you sitting in that chair the day I walked into your... Read more Hi Paul - We were a fantastic team, weren't we? Without you sitting in that chair the day I walked into your office, NONE of it... Read more Hi Paul - We were a fantastic team, weren't we? Without... Read more

Paul Warshauer

Yes, were were an amazing team! Yes, were were an amazing team! Yes, were were an amazing team!

Joe Cappo

Dear Jill,
I am so sorry to hear about Jack. All of the memories of the last what...60 years ...come flooding back? I think back to the early 1960s. I was writing pop music reviews for the Chicago Daily News and Jack was doing PR for WLS radio, which was the huge teeny-bop station of that era. (Funny thing is, when we moved into this retirement village two years ago, we found that our neighbor was Clark Weber, who was the station's top DJ back then. Clark, who has since passed, asked me to remember him to Jack.)
Of course, Jack and I remained friends during all of the years in between including when we hired him to write all kinds of features for Crain's. He was quick and easy to work with, and usually came up with more and better ideas than I did.
I am delighted that he moved into the travel business later in his career and that you folks had an opportunity to do some touring.
So, Jill. I want you to know that I will go to sleep tonight thinking of you and Jack and all of those days. And if there is anything an old friend of Jack can do for you, just ask.
Fondly,
Joe Cappo

Read More Read Less

3

1

Matthew McGuire

Jill McGuire

Tom Holbrook

Comments:

Jill McGuire

Hi Joe - It's so nice to hear from you! Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful memories. Jack told... Read more Hi Joe - It's so nice to hear from you! Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful memories. Jack told me all about your recent... Read more Hi Joe - It's so nice to hear from you! Thank you so... Read more

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Connect with others in a formal or informal capacity.

View grief support

See all contributions

Please consider a gift to Vitas Community Connection.

$525.00

Raised by 7 people

Learn more & give

See all contributions

See all contributions

Created with love by Jill McGuire (Jack's wife).

Report memorial