John W. McIvor

An extraordinary man who’s contagious zest for life was infused in all that came in contact with him. The infectious gusto to which “Jono” lived is life, will forever be the bond that will continue for generations.

John was born in Henderson, Kentucky in the summer of 1931 to Dr. Wilfred and Mrs. Martha McIvor. Growing up on the lakes of Kentucky gave him the opportunity to learn to drive a car at age 9 and a speed boat by age 10. It was apparent from the start that John had an amazing artistic talent with a pencil and black composition book always in hand for sketching.

Jono graduated summa cum laude from the Murray State University and the University of Illinois with a master degree in Fine Arts. As an Assistant professor at Auburn University, Jono was recruited in 1963 by the Rockefeller Family to join the University of New York as a Professor and Chairman of Graduate Art Studies in Buffalo, New York. A position is held until his retirement.

As an advisor and mentor to many, his home was always open to his graduate students and a dinner table filled with young people engaged in lively conversations of art, music and the latest politics for the day. The gift of conversation was a souvenir to all that visited the McIvor home. This community continued until the day he died, with a hospital room filled with friends, family laughter and love.

Jono is predeceased by his Wife of 50 years, Dorothy McIvor; his brother, Dr. William Nash and his son-in-law Commander Clark D. Sanders. He is survived by his wife Jan Patterson McIvor. Jan and Jono were sweethearts in high school, reuniting after 60 years in 2008. Jono’s children are his daughter Beth and Mark Kernan of Jacksonville; his daughter, Jenny Sanders of Jacksonville, and his son, Cab and Tammy McIvor of Jacksonville, Florida. His loving grandchildren, Evan and Amanda Sanders, Ian Sanders, Mitchell Kernan, Kelly Kernan, Mason Kernan, Mackenzie Kernan and Katie Kernan; PFC. Joseph Antonetti and Cab McIvor Jr, and his Great-Grandaughter, Lorelei and his Great-Grandson Baby Sanders due in August, 2011.

Visitation will be held Wednesday April 20, 2011, at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach, Florida from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Funeral Services and celebration of his life will be held Thursday April 21, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Chets Creek Church, 4420 Hodges Blvd, Jacksonville, Fl 32224. Pastor Spike Hogan officiating. Burial will follow at Beaches Memorial Park in Atlantic Beach, Fl.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Parkinson’s Center for Excellence, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32224.