John W. McCarthy, Jr., 65, affectionately known as Mouse, Dad, and Papa John, of Springfield, entered into eternal peace at 8:55 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Memorial Medical Center surrounded by his family.
John was born on December 26, 1957- an extra Christmas gift- in Springfield; the son of John W. (“Jack”) and Jeanne Reisch McCarthy. He grew up on Glenwood Avenue, a block all children should experience. John married Leslie Morgan on April 17, 1982, at Blessed Sacrament Church.
John was a graduate of Griffin High School where he played baseball, golf, basketball, and football. He attended Springfield College in Illinois and was a member of the baseball and basketball teams, and Western Illinois University where he was a member of the golf team.
Of all the sports John loved, golf was by far his favorite, and he was an accomplished scratch golfer, winning numerous tournaments. You could never enter his house without the Golf Channel being on at least one TV. Fox News was probably on the other. He was a golf pro at Oakcrest Country Club as well as Sunset Hills Golf Course in Edwardsville. He had two holes-in-one, too many eagles and birdies to count, and was proudly featured in Golf Digest. His most recent (and proudest) golf endeavor was that of mentor – instructing, caddying, and being a golf cart chauffer for his newest protégé - his beloved eldest grandson.
John was an insurance agent for Mutual of Omaha, Cincinnati Insurance, Travelers Insurance, Lanphier and Webster, and Troxell. He and his father were quite the dynamic duo in the insurance industry. He finished his career as a Grant Manager at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. In his retirement, he enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. John was a top notch dad, but if you had the pleasure of seeing him as Papa John, it was without a doubt his favorite role. There was no greater grandfather to ever walk the Earth. He was their biggest cheerleader, fan, and supporter. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his wife, his kids, and grandchildren, whom he adored.
John was a fan of Notre Dame football, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the New York Yankees. As a kid, he idolized Joe Namath and later was a fan of the 49ers and Joe Montana. He was a lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament Church and attended Mass daily. His faith in God was unwavering. He took great comfort in prayer. He was a generous soul who would help anyone in need with a soft spot for children.
He was proceeded in death by his father, who was excitedly awaiting his arrival in Heaven at the Holy Spirit Golf Course’s first tee last Tuesday evening with freshly cleaned golf clubs and a new sleeve of Titleist PRO-V1s. John will lovingly be remembered by his mother, Jeanne McCarthy; the love of his life, personal saint, and constant caregiver, his wife, Leslie McCarthy; his daughters, Katie McCarthy (partner, Steve Blazis) and Meghan Pygott (husband, Derek); his son, John W. McCarthy, III (wife, Amanda); and his six grandchildren, Ryleigh, Brady, Addie, Greyson, Haddie, and Remi. He is also survived by his siblings, Michelle, Tim (wife, Rose), and Michael McCarthy, three brothers-in-law, several aunts and cousins, and his two best friends – “brothers for life” – Dave Thompson (wife, Judy) and Bill Reid (wife, Karen.) The friendship between John, Dave, and Bill was built on fifty years of fun, mischievousness, loyalty, love, and meant the world to John.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home, 900 South 6th Street, Springfield.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 748 West Laurel Street, Springfield.
Family will receive friends at Long Bridge Golf Course, 1055 West Camp Sangamo Road, Springfield, for a luncheon following John’s funeral Mass.
Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following ceremonies.
A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Memorial Foundation – ICU 3C (in honor of the most wonderful and compassionate care of John,) the James Project, and Washington Street Mission.
