Birth date: Aug 2, 1928 Death date: Jun 27, 2009
John Richard Vandevoort, Sr. (Jack) Born in Moline, Il. August 2, 1928 Died June 27, 2009 at home. As a young man, after Jr. High School, He earned a four year scholarship to St. Bede Academy in Peru, Il. Graduating in 1946 he ent Read Obituary
Recently a notice appeared on our monastery bulletin board announcing Jack's death. There were no details. Knowing that Jack was a 1946 alumnus of our academy, I found his obituary on-line. Please be assured of my prayers and those of the other monks at the abbey. We will pray for the repose of the soul of your husband, father and grandfather and will pray for you as well. Fr. Ronald Margherio, O.S.B. St. Bede Abbey and Academy Peru, IL 61354-2903
I've known the Vandevoort family for over 15 years. I don't really know exactly when the 1st time I met Jack was, but I remember specifically that when I did meet him, he acted as if he had known me my whole life. I mean I'm sure that he had heard some good stories from John Jr. about our adventures in college, but up until that point, he had never actually met me face to face. That's the kind of guy Jack was though, it seemed anyone whom he met was automatically elevated to "best friend" status. I remember just after he initially was hospitalized due to breaking his hip, in much pain, and probably heavily medicated, he still had his quick wit and smartaleck attitude, he was still cracking jokes and making funny comments about the his current situation. He will be dearly missed, and my prayers go out to his family. Jack is in a better place and is no longer feeling any pain
Jack is the father in-law of one of my best friends. I was fortunate enough to meet Jack and Eva many years ago. One thing that always stood out to me about Jack was he seemed always be smiling. He was very down-to-earth and easy to get to know. I know he will be sorely missed here on Earth but I can honestly say Heaven has received a very good man. May God bless the family as they are enduring this difficult time.
Jack was my boss at TI and a true mentor. He was one of the smartest people I have ever met, and beloved by all his clients at TI. My prayers are with your family. I know you will miss Jack. It has been years since I have seen him, but I never forgot him and speak of him often. Karen
Jack's son, Tony, has been one of my best friends for almost 18 years. I always appreciated the generosity his mother and father showed me. Jack can rest in peace knowing that he left behind a truly wonderful legacy.
October 2010 I was one of John R. Vandevoort's closest friends when we were fellow commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force – serving in Korea at K-9 with the 452nd Bomb Wing based in Pusan in 1951. I authored an Introduction (in which Jack was referred to frequently) for "Our Family Hero," a book that was published by the family of Hugh "Jack" Rhodes, our fellow officer in Korea and my classmate at Officer Candidate School, at their invitation. Jack Vandevoort and I stayed in touch off and on through the years as close friendships formed in the military are often enduring. I do regret that those of us who served with Jack overseas were not able to offer comfort and encouragement during his prolonged illness – due to our inability to reach him via the telephone at his home though we tried frequently to ring Jack up during the final year of his life. It is still a mystery and a cause of sadness for us that no one ever answered that telephone. Nonetheless, I offer the most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the bereaved family of John R. Vandevoort whose memory will always be an indelible part of our military experience. Dr. N. E. Hodges Plantation, Florida
3 years have passed since you left us Dad, and I just wanted to say how much we love you and miss you. God bless & thanks for being the incredible dad you were to me.
Happy Veterans day dad. Thank you for your service in Korea. I know it was not easy for you while you were there, but you made life easier for all of us for doing what you did. We shall not forget. Love you so much. John Jr.
Dr. Norman E Hodges purchased the Full Of Love Bouquet for the family of John Richard Vandevoort.
