John P. Jarvis

John P. Jarvis, 93 of Aurora, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born on November 18, 1923 to Frank M. and Barbara E. (Esser) Jarvis. He was a lifelong resident of Aurora. He proudly served his country in WWII as a member of the Battery A 358th AAA Signal Battalion Company 1 330th Infantry Regiment 83rd Division stationed in Florida, Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York and Rhineland, Germany. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Service Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Service Medal for his service. When he returned from the war, he proudly cared for his parents and other family members. He worked for the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad, later named the Burlington Northern Railroad as a Machinist in Aurora and Clyde locations. He retired in 1985 with 43 years of dedicated service. He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church where he married the love of his life Loretta (Andrick) Jarvis on May 28, 1955 and was blessed to celebrated 45 years of marriage before her passing in December 2000. Together they enjoyed traveling, cooking and spending every possible moment enjoying family and friends. He loved spending time with his family and friends and celebrating holidays with parties in his home. He was always proud that he made his home a block away from where he was born and subsequently grew up as a child. He also enjoyed the many family vacations in Michigan and Wisconsin throughout the years. He was an avid bowler in his younger days and most proud of winning the 1954/1955 ABC Association Doubles Championship along with his brother, Bill. He was a lifelong member of the Tiger Club and a member of the Aurora Moose Club for many years. He enjoyed attending the many Army reunions over the years near and far. He also enjoyed a good game of pinochle with family and friends, as well as Bingo at various locations and trips to the Casino. He was a “lucky” winner at times with the lottery on his favorite scratch off tickets. He loved to have a good time and a good laugh among family and friends. One of his most cherished lasting memories was that of watching his beloved Chicago Cubs win the World Series and being able to share that joy with is children. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met and shared his laughter and his jokes and his sense of humor with family friends and strangers who were never strangers for long. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Elizabeth (Beth) and Judith (Judy) of Aurora. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and great great nieces and great great nephews and a multitude of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Francis, Ralph, Bill, Catherine, Margaret, Marie and Leona and their spouses. Also, by his loving wife Loretta and her siblings, Matthew, Annie, Vernie, Dorothy and Betty and their spouses and her brother Michael in infancy. He was also preceded in death by many of his lifelong friends and neighbors and Army Comrades. His children would like to thank the many people who helped over the past two years with is care. Special thanks to his caregiver Danielle Coakes along with Linda Coakes, the Vincent family and Veronica Torres. Thanks also to Sister Joan, Sister Nancy and Sister Rita Mary of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish for their visits and singing his favorite hymns and to Fr. Tim Mulcahey for his spiritual blessings. Thanks also to the doctors and nurses at Advocate Medical, River West Cancer Center, Rush Copley, Alden of Waterford and Season’s Hospice for their compassionate care. As his children, we were truly blessed that you made a difference in his life and his care. Because of all of you he was able to remain in his house that he loved until his final days. Special thanks to his great nephew Michael Roach who honored his service to his country by arranging a full military honor service and for the restoration of his never awarded service medals. Words can never express his gratitude or ours. He loved his country and was proud to be a member of the “Greatest Generation” of soldiers. He often repeated the words of General Douglas MacArthur…”old soldiers never die…they just fade away”. Family will receive friends on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY from 9:00 am until morning prayers at 9:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. Timothy Mulcahey will officiate with interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial donations would be appreciated to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans at www.nationalww2museum.org or to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Aurora. We will forever miss you, Dad, but you will always remain in our hearts. We love you!

John P. Jarvis

November 18, 1923 - February 17, 2017