John H. Bolin, Jr.

John Hanley Bolin, Jr. was born January 8, 1926 in Kansas City, MO to Anna (Stone) Bolin and John H. Bolin, Sr. Jack attended Henry C. Kumpf Grade School and Paseo High School. He served in the US Army 100th Infantry Division during World War II, with decorations including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal. He graduated from Rockhurst College with a degree in Economics in 1948. On April 3, 1948 he married Mary Louise Schorfheide, daughter of Fred and Lucille (Schell) Schorfheide. Together they faithfully raised seven children.

Jack started his business career as a Risk Selector for Business Men’s Assurance Co. (BMA), and retired as Senior Vice President of Reinsurance after 35 years. He subsequently worked for Employers Reinsurance Corp. (ERC) and Systematic Business Services, Inc. (SBSI). Jack devoted time to many charitable causes as well as numerous civic and academic organizations. Those included Catholic Charities, United Way, Paseo High School, Liberty Memorial, St. Joseph Medical Center, American Royal, 100th Infantry Division Society, Redemptorist Catholic Church, Cure of Ars Parish, Rockhurst High School, St. Teresa’s Academy, and especially Rockhurst College, where he was named alumnus of the year in 1988.

Jack and Mary resided in Overland Park and Leawood, Kansas, most recently being members of Church of the Nativity. He passed away December 30, 2013. He is survived by the love of his life, Mary; children, John III (Jane), Susan Lee (Jerry), Carole Philipps (Gary), Patrick, Christopher (Cheryl), Andrew (Michelle), Matthew (Janis), 19 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers James (Linda) and Jerry Bolin, sisters-in-law Eileen Bolin, Helen McKee, and Sister Ann Schorfheide CSJ, and 21 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles, sister-in -law Patricia Bolin and brother-in-law Sam McKee.

John was a gracious, generous man who never met a stranger and greeted all with enthusiasm and genuine care. He was ever thankful for the blessings in his life, especially his faith, family, and a career that he thoroughly enjoyed. He liked Big Band music, traveling, and reading, particularly related to his ancestry and World War II military history. He had a lifelong devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

John touched many lives and the memory of him will remind us of what is truly important in life.

The Rosary will be prayed Friday, January 10th at 6:00 PM at Cure of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206, with visitation until 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 11th at Cure of Ars.

Donations can be made in John’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or Rockhurst University. The family wishes to thank the staff at Village Shalom for their care and compassion.