John L. Feigh
In Loving Memory
John L. Feigh
July 27, 1927 – January 20, 2022
Born and raised in the west side of Chicago, Jack (as he was known to his friends) graduated from Austin High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1945. Having been stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Seattle, Washington he had reached the rank of Pharmacist First Class before being honorably discharged in 1947. Upon his return to Chicago, Jack attended Loyola University and graduated with honors in 1950 with a degree in biology before marrying the love of his life for 59 years, Pat (nee Craig). Jack’s initial goal was to attend medical school, but his plans now changed, and a steady job became a priority. Jack accepted a position at the Chicago stockyards within the pharmaceutical research division of Armour Industrial Chemical Company. He thought it would be a brief stop on the way to a medical career, but after various promotions and through different company owners, he continued to work there for fifty years – an accomplishment that Jack was very proud of. As Jack was quite social, and actively involved in several activities within the company, he was given the name “Mr. Personality”.
He also enjoyed life outside of work. While active in scouting and coaching his sons’ baseball teams, Jack also enjoyed bowling, dancing and taking photos with friends and of family events. Somehow Jack still managed to find ways to contribute his time and talents through his parish church and as a Fourth Degree member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus.
Jack is survived by his children Tim (Catie) Feigh, Jim (Denise) Feigh, Craig (Lori) Feigh, Cathy (Jim) Schmid, Sue (Jim) Coughenour and Trish (John) DeGraaf. He will be lovingly remembered by his 18 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, along with many relatives and friends. He was a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and caring father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He never missed a birthday or a major life moment with his family. Jack will be remembered for his countless stories, infectious laugh, competitive spirit, and deep love for his family and community. His memory will live on in us, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His spirit will have a special place in our hearts.
Memorial services will be performed at Hallowell & James Funeral Home located at 301 75th street in Downers Grove. Visitation hours will be on Friday, January 28th from 9am to 10am, with a Funeral Mass to follow at St. Mary of Gostyn Church, 4744 Douglas Road, Downers Grove at 11am. Entombment will be at Christ the King Mausoleum at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choosing are appreciated.
The world was better with him in it.
John Feigh(I always referred to him by my brother Jim Schmid as Jack) was quite the Man. It was interesting to hear
about the earlier years of his life. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you, the Children, Grandchildren and Greatgrandchildren.
Sincerely,
David Goacher, Brandon Goacher and Eileen Schmid
Goodbye Father-in-Law Jack. We first meet in 1973 or ’74 when I came to your door to pick up your youngest daughter Trish…I got the “look”, the look young boys only imagine they’ll see in the movies. I found out later that my “Future Mother-in-Law” Pat, had already decided that was the first and last date. Though looking back now and having kids of my own, I can’t imagine what you were thinking with a Senior in High School going out on a date with your little Freshman baby girl. Fortunately, you guys warmed up to me rather quickly and almost 50 years later, I’m still caring for your baby, just as she cares for me. I hope I made you proud just as I was proud to call you Dad. I could have easily been overlooked with 6 kids of your own and Grandbabies seemly popping out every month, but you treated me just like the rest and I can’t thank you enough for that. We moved far away but I always enjoyed the visits back to Chicago to see you both. I always knew what to expect as you never waivered very far from your Routines, a trait learned from the Navy regiment I suspect. When Pat died, it was tough for all of us but you stayed strong and carried on keeping things together with the family. You finally accepted the invitation to live in Cordia where it seemed you quickly acclimated to new friends and activities. Competitive activities you seemed to live for, anything but 1st place was just not acceptable. It was fun reading the Newsletters with your name and photos all over the front page.
You lived a long life, but most importantly you lived YOUR Life. I, we, will miss you Dear Father-in-Law as I will never have another. I’d say “Rest in Peace”, however if there’s an activity center where you’re at now…. Go kick some Ass!
Please say Hello to Pat, and my Mom and Dad for me, I think about them all every day.
Until Someday,
John Degraaf (your favorite)
YOU DID IT RIGHT!!!
You were an excellent role model for myself and for many others. You didn’t just talk the talk, you walked the walk when it came to family.
I have never known anyone that lived life large for his family and friends the way you did. You always made me feel welcome from the first day Sue and I started dating on January 1, 1973 I fondly remember so many holidays and special family events over the 49 years since then. I fondly remember how you and Pat would flash the light in front of you house on Woodside signaling the date was over and it was time for for Sue to come inside. You did a great job raising your own children by instilling values that will be handed down and centered around family. That included us in-laws as well. First class all the way!!!
Pat and yourself always went the extra mile to make sure everyone was included in your inner circle.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!
You will be missed!!
I love you and will miss you grandpa. I always loved visiting with you. Your stories were always so interesting and I could listen forever. I wish I could hear just one more I feel I should of asked more questions but I am terrible at that. Our last visit made me so happy that you were able to see my children and talk with them. I am so glad you were to meet Ben and I wish he could of heard some of your amazing stories. I had a feeling though that our last visit would be our last and it was the first time since I was little that I cried after leaving you. I know you are in a better place and reunited with Nana. Hug her for me because I miss her too. Until we meet again. I love you.
Layne
Jack Feigh was a wonderful person who loved his family very much. I feel very blessed to have known him. We had a lot of fun during the Cousins Club years with Jack and Pat. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Our thoughts and prayers Are with you all at this very sad time. We will surely miss exchanging Christmas cards every year with uncle Jack. Debbie and Tim O’Donnell
Thank you John for your amazing contribution in keeping McCook and Morris plants optimized in meeting customer orders. You were very unselfish in showing the rest of us how to conduct business from an operational standpoint. You could have written the chapter on Operations Management in a daily changing world. Thanks for your good cheer usually 20 minutes after you had already declared force majeure. Your name is in the Armour/Armak/Akzo Nobel Hall of Fame. I’ve very grateful that we crossed paths in this life. Take care friend.