John William Mcauliffe

John William McAuliffe

John's passion in life was his family and in his last years a desire to create a book about them. On Aug 15, 2015 his dream came true when he published a 98 page autobiography entitled "John and Annetta Nurmi McAuliffe – a Lifetime of Family Memories". On September 9, 2015 just 3 short weeks after his book release party, he passed away peacefully in his sleep to rejoin his beloved wife of 62 years. She died on April 24, 2013.

John was 89 years old having been born on July 1, 1926 in Jackson, MI. He was an Irishman. His parents were William Robert McAuliffe and Mary Regina Boone. They moved to Parma when he was in the 4th grade. He grew up on a farm learning life lessons that "…set his own path of independence within the family." He shared life on the farm with his two brothers Robert and Bill.

John's parents moved to Jackson when he was in middle school where he attended St. John's. In high school he switched to St. Mary's where he excelled in sports as a football and basketball player. He served as president of his class all 4 years.

During the wartime years of 1944-1947 he served in the U.S. Navy aboard an USS LSM-87 as a Motor Machinist Mate. For his service he was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon one star, The Philippine Liberation Ribbon, The American Area Ribbon, and the Victory Ribbon.

Upon returning home from the war he attended Jackson Community College (JCC) where he earned an Associate's Degree in Business Administration. John excelled at the task of earning a good living for his family. He started working as a salesman for Crutchfield Chevrolet which eventually led him to become the Vice-President/General Manager for Art Moehn Chevrolet, retiring in 1988.

John met Annetta in one of his classes at JCC. After a year-long courtship during which Annetta converted to the Roman Catholic faith, they were married on October 14, 1950. Their honeymoon was spent in Havana, Cuba. John purchased 786 Briarcliff Rd from Annetta's mother Lempi and settled down to raise a family.

John and Annetta were a dynamic couple in the Jackson Community. As original founding parishioners of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, they valued their faith. He served as a lector for many years. They raised 4 boys and encouraged them to become involved in sports, the Boy Scouts, Altar Boys, and Junior Achievement. Their efforts were rewarded with an Eagle Scout and numerous other sport achievements and accolades for their sons. The family was often seen departing on frequent canoeing trips and camping trips using a pop-up tent camper. Graduating to a mobile home longer trips were made across the USA, especially to the West. John was an avid golfer and belonged to Arbor Hills Country club for many years. He retired at age 62 and traveled the globe with Annetta in search of adventure. He loved visiting Florida in the spring with their timeshares.

John served as a member of the local Lion's club for 40 years. He was President in 1990 and founded the annual Lion's charity Golf tournament "Diamonds in the Rough". In 2015 he received the highest honor that can be bestowed on behalf of the Lions Club International Foundation – the prestigious "Melvin Fellow Award for Humanitarian Service." He joins the ranks of some of the most prominent Lions in the world.

John developed Parkinson's disease later in life. He moved into Summit Park Assisted Living in Jackson where he took up painting and completing his book.

He was known to be a loving father, successful businessman, a devoted Roman Catholic, and a dedicated member of the Lions Club. He is survived by four sons and three grandchildren – Daniel (wife Charie) of Langhorne, Pennsylvania; Dr. Timothy of Carefree, AZ (grandsons Alexander and Jackson); Terrance of Jackson, Michigan (granddaughter Casey); and Thomas of Fountain Hills, AZ.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday September 17th at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, 606 South Wisner St., Jackson, MI at 10:30am with Father John Whitlock as the celebrant at the Mass.

Relatives, family, and friends are invited to gather for the viewing at the church from 9:45am-10:30am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions to Queen's Church is appreciated.

A lunch will be held at 12 noon at The Hunt Club, 1514 Daniel Rd., Jackson, MI.

As John was fond of saying – "As you slide down the bannister of life, may the splinters always face in the right direction" – as they have done for me.

Desnoyer Funeral Home--Family owned for 125 years