John Patrick Judge

John (Jack) Patrick Judge, was born February 9, 1935, to Patrick and Marie (Fitzgerald) Judge. He passed away on March 29, 2022 at his home in Overland Park, Kansas. Born and raised in Kansas City, he lived in Garden City, KS from 1970 to 2008.

Jack graduated from Lillis High School in 1953 and began work as a welder at Butler Manufacturing. After 15 years in the plant he was promoted to the position of Personnel Manager where his passion for business took root. He continued as Personnel Manager when he transferred to the Oswalt plant in Garden City. Shortly thereafter he became the Plant Manager of Oswalt for six years.

In 1981, John left Oswalt to realize his dream of working in real estate. He became owner/broker of Coldwell Banker/The Real Estate Shoppe in 1986 and continued his career there until retirement in 2008. Real estate is a people business and his passion and love of the work enabled him to mentor many others who loved the business as well.

John flourished professionally in Garden City where he had a long list of accomplishments.

• 1974-1976 - Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

• 1975 - Chamber of Commerce - President

• 1988-1994 - Garden City Board of Realtors - President

• 1984-1996 - St. Catherine Hospital - Board of Directors

Of all his accomplishments, John's greatest legacy was his love for his family. He was a loving father, ferocious protector, generous caretaker, wise advisor, wise-cracker, relentlessly responsible and a passionate animal lover. He measured his greatest success in life by the well-being of those he loved. And he loved so many so very much.

He is survived by:

• Three daughters -- Cecilia Riegel, Denise McKinnie and Melissa Turner

• Four stepchildren -- Jason Bennett, Stephanie Kershner, Damon Bennett and Aaron Bennett

• 14 grandchildren -- Audra, Matt, Mark, Ryan, Cole, Alex, Madison, Morgan, Jaycee, Dash, Kinzee, Cassius, Allison and Wade

• Nine great grandchildren -- Emma, Michael, Charlie, Braylon, Beckham, Briar, Maverick, Kenzie and Declan

He also leaves behind beloved nephews and nieces of whom he was always so proud; cousins with whom he shared beautiful history and so many stories; close friends with whom he loved to talk sports and politics; and generous, caring neighbors.

John's story would not be complete without mention of the great love stories he shared with Paula, Marge and Terria.

Jack's Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 9th at the McGilley State Line Chapel at 12301 State Line Road. in Kansas City, MO. Visitation begins at 9am with the funeral service at 10. The graveside service will be immediately after at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Donations to the American Diabetes Association will be accepted in lieu of flowers, though flowers are welcome, too.