John William Bugh Jr.

John “Phrog” Bugh Jr. died surrounded by his family at KU Medical Center on June 8 in Kansas City, Kansas at the age of 68.

John is survived by his wife Helen M. Lynch Bugh; children, John “Trey” William Bugh III (Kristina) of Wentzville, MO and Elizabeth “Liz” (Bugh) Clark (Devin) of Meriden KS. and grandchildren Alex Bugh, Makenzie Bugh, Jaimey Bugh, Elliana Bugh, Dominic Clark, Dimitri Clark. He is preceded in death by his parents.

John was born on December 29, 1954, in Ewing, MO to John “Bill” William Bugh and Hazel M. Goings Bugh. He was a farm boy, milking cows and taking care of chickens at a young age. John biked to nearby friends and cousins, with many ensuing adventures, most of them legal. A major impact in his life occurred in these years. A friend’s mother directed both boys to “Upward Bound.” This provided a college experience during high school summer vacations. J.W. (as he was known then) attended college upon his Highland High School graduation in 1972.

He graduated from Northeast Missouri State University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. John went on to teach Industrial Arts at Madison High School, in Madison, MO. During this time, John developed his passion for table tennis, custom vanning and electronics. These three pursuits led him to life-long hobbies, developing life-long friendships he enjoyed until his passing.

A colleague of John and Helen introduced them. This introduction resulted in a long-distance romance, engagement, and marriage.

John moved to Kansas City. He and Helen were married August 13, 1977. John, an only child, joined a bustling, growing family of 6 siblings and survived (mostly). In the ensuing years, John and Helen were blessed with two children, John “Trey” and Elizabeth “Liz.” John is remembered as their avid supporter. He also was the ultimate family fix-it guy. He could fix whatever the family managed to break, crash, wear out. John was incredibly proud of Trey and Liz: the choices they made, the spouses they married, the careers they pursued and the life they continue to build.

John’s many talents were evidenced in his wide range of employment over the years: educator, builder, computer techie, electronics and stereo guru, flooring installation, and last but not least, the epitome of customer service.

He loved people. His nickname Phrog came from a drink he and a friend created to share at campouts with the van clubs. It wasn’t so much the drink itself (green limeade with alcohol) as it was a chance to have fun with the crowd. Later, this love of interaction led to the now infamous wine tastings held at van events across the country.

Upon retirement, John and Helen enjoyed traveling, visiting family and friends in northeast Missouri and participating in van events from Oregon to North Carolina. Retirement also allowed more time for reading. John was an avid science fiction reader, even serving as a reviewer and beta reader for two of his favorite authors. The true gift of retirement is time. The time and flexibility to be with children and grandchildren blessed John and Helen with so many precious moments.

A memorial service for John will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 11924 East 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64133, preceded by a visitation from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Reception/light supper to follow at Knights of Columbus Hall 5101 Blue Ridge Cut-off, Kansas City, MO 64133

Terrence White will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Catholic Charities at https://catholiccharities-kcsj.org/donate/ or Harvesters https://www.harvesters.org/how-to-help/donate

Condolences can be sent to http://www.mcgilleysheil.com/

The family would like to thank staff and caregivers at Mladenoff Clinic, St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, and K.U. Medical Center for their efforts and dedication.