We will send an invite after you submit!
In memory of
Joseph "Jack" J McGuire
Photo
Jack's obituary
As head of 20 North Productions, Jack wrote and produced syndicated radio programs including “Make Believe Bandstand,” replicating live remote broadcasts of his beloved 1940’s Big Bands. Later, the peripatetic writer/host of “Travel Briefs” delighted his radio listeners and readers with tales from the front covering more than 80 countries over 30+ years. His resonant voice filled every room, whether transmitting over the airwaves, across the boardroom, or just having a friendly chat. An avid storyteller and preternaturally funny guy, Jack could fill a room with laughter just by being himself. He was truly one of a kind.
A friend of Bill W for more than 60 years, Jack was an inspiration to hundreds of beginners and a mentor to many.
Jack lived life to the fullest – one day at a time – with his devoted wife Jill, the love of his life and best friend for more than 43 years, always at his side. Despite multiple health challenges, Jack embraced author Hunter Thompson’s LIFE quote . . .
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, WOW* What a Ride!”
Born in Chicago on February 7, 1925 to the late Martin and Katherine McGuire, Jack captured the essence of his hardscrabble youth in a 2014 memoir: GRAND CROSSING, Coming of Age on Chicago’s South Side During the Great Depression. Raised in the Catholic Church, Jack confessed to “drifting away” during adulthood in a poignant letter to Joseph Cardinal Bernardin published in The Gift of Peace shortly before the Archbishop’s death. Jack wrote, “I wanted you to know that when you touched my palm with the holy oil, then squeezed my hand affectionately and said, ‘I will pray for you,’ a great sense of inner peace swept over me.”
Jack has now rejoined his “Brother Joseph," sitting at the right hand of God ‘til we all meet again.
Jack is also preceded in death by brothers Martin and Tom McGuire; sisters Katherine Benson and Geraldine Nettleton, nephew Austin Whitten and Jill’s parents, Akira and Setsuko Watanabe.
Jack is survived by his wife Jill; sons Matthew (Cheri) McGuire and Michael McGuire; stepson Michael (Kimberly) Yamamoto and cherished grandsons Brandon (24), Brady (20) and Bryson (19) Yamamoto, whose beloved “Grandpa Jack” was an endless source of playfulness, counsel and strength. He always made them laugh and gave them so much joy.
Jack is also survived by Jill’s sister Barbara Nomura; her brothers Daniel (Terri) and Gary (Mary) Watanabe; sister-in-law Jeanne McGuire; Patricia Whitten; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and his dearest friend, Sadru Patel.
A veteran of World War II, Jack served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in England and France from 1943 - 1945. A graduate of Northwestern University, he was a lifelong Wildcats fan. GO CATS!
Due to Covid-19, a Celebration of Jack’s life may be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to: VITAS COMMUNITY CONNECTION in appreciation for the loving and compassionate care Jack (and Jill) received from our entire hospice team.
To learn more about:
GRAND CROSSING, Coming of Age on Chicago’s South Side During the Great Depression by Jack McGuire
https://www.goodreads.com/boo…
The Gift of Peace by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin
https://www.goodreads.com/boo…
To make a memorial donation in Jack’s name to VITAS COMMUNITY CONNECTION :
https://vitascommunityconnect…
Send to someone
Share this obituary with others
Want to stay updated?
Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to Vitas Community Connection.
$525.00
Raised by 7 people
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to Vitas Community Connection.
$525.00
Raised by 7 people
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
Share this memorial website
How you can help
Share with others
Donate in memory
Created with love by
Jill McGuire (Jack's wife).
