McCarthy, John G. (1903-1965)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 Jan 14 p. 11

Birth date: 1903 Sep 12

text of obituary:

JOHN G. McCARTHY

John G. McCarthy, a well known resident and businessman of Harrisonville, Mo., died Dec. 22, 1964, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital after a brief illness following a coronary occlusion.

John, or Jack as his friends called him, was born Sept. 12, 1903 to John G. and Theresa Hale McCarthy. His father came here from Ireland as a young man and earned enough money to bring his fiancee here also. They were married on Ellis Island and then went west to establish their home on a large sheep ranch near Butte, Mont. Not many years later the mother passed away leaving the six year old son and his younger sister, Ida. Another sister died in infancy.

Twelve years later, when Jack was away at college, the father met death by an accident on the ranch. The home was then dissolved. The step--mother returned to Ireland, but the son and daughter remained here. In 1943 his sister passed away, leaving Jack without any known relatives in the United States.

After graduating from high school, he entered Harvard University with a special interest in medical science. Several years later, however, he developed ostemyelitis [sic osteomyelitis] and had to discontinue this pursuit. Life was not easy for a lone young man, but he became skilled in many activities. At the time of his death he was an interior decorator. Previous to Oct. 1 of this year he served the County Hospital as an assistant in surgery for several years.

In infancy he was baptized into the Catholic church, but on Feb. 19, 1943, upon confession of faith he was baptized into the Mennonite church at Morton, Ill., and later transferred his membership to the Sycamore Grove church. He was faithful in church attendance, spent much time in study and prayer, and practiced self-denial.

On June 4, 1944 he was united in marriage to Katherine E. Miller of Garden City and they have lived in this county since. Three children came to bless their home.

He is survived by his devoted companion and son, John, now a student at Hesston College; two daughters, Mary Kay and Theresa; and a foster son, Michael, all of the home. Also surviving are his father-in-law. J. A. Miller of Garden City, Mo.; three brothers-in-law, Norman of Richmond, Mo., Emerson of Lowpoint, Ill., S. Paul of Dhamtari, India; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Eleanor Kochsmeier of Casa Granda [sic Casa Grande], Ariz.; a number of nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Jack had a compassionate and understanding heart. This was evidenced by his sacrificial concern for the sick, the orphan, the unfortunate, the lonely, and the troubled person. His influence touched the lives of many people.

Funeral services were held at the Sycamore Grove church on Dec. 26 with his former pastor, Rev. Leonard Graber of Elkhart, Ind. officiating. He was assisted by H. A. Diener and Wesley Arington. Music was furnished by Lowell Byler of Hesston, Kan., Leta Kay Schrock, David Schrock, and Mr. and Mrs. James A. Schrock.