I worked as the Cruise Director on the Julia Belle Swain for a few years with John. I loved him dearly. He was witty and silly and totally wonderful---I leaned on him to help me get luggage onto the van, to run and get stray wedding guests who forgot to get in the cab and come to the boat but mostly to brighten up my day when he walked in the door of the office. Sunny or rainy, John filled our office with sunshine and laughter. I loved how he loved all of you and shared his family stories with his "boat family". I was shocked and saddened today when I learned he had passed. I was driving along the Mississippi River when Tina (my sister and the steamboat's General Manager) told me. I was shocked and saddened and I already miss his great smile and gentle spirit!

Ileen, Pam and Family: Although we only spent a short time with John each week we both feel that he was one of those people we liked from the moment we met him. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will miss John as I'm sure anyone who ever knew him will. We'll look forward to Thursday with you Ileen( Pam and family too). Kirk and Geva

In momemts of despair, there are always certain things to cling to. Little things like remembered laughter with family, habits of saving absolutely everything, 'Paradise' right outside your window, & the quiet moments shared with each other. It makes me remember & smile when John used to go for his walks in downtown Libertyville to the bank for their free cookies or stop by the studio for his piece of chocolate. Eileen & Pam we are so sorry for your loss, but these things will keep John forever in your hearts ... we will all miss him & his infectious smile.

We will keep you and Pam in our prayers. I will always remember John for his kindness to me when I first arrived in Libertyville to begin work at the Police Department. He left us way too, too soon. I will remember his smile forever.

We will miss you as will marshall and becky's families.

We'll sure miss Uncle John. The snake in the living room, the vicious cat that attacked me, the "one-armed bandit" that Uncle John would let us play at will. We never had to spend a dime- he would open the machine up and gather up a bucket of change and off we'd go. Thanks for all the good memories. Aunt Eileen and Pam, you guys take care. We are thinking about you! Love, Becky

We have lost a great man and I have lost a dear friend. What I am feeling is difficult to put into words. I have wonderful memories of growing up together -hanging out in John's backyard club house, playing weekend basketball at Highland junior high, our job delivering newspapers, memorable high school years, great conversations sitting in the kitchen of the Stewart Ave house, a number of great youthful adventures, and messin' with cars. Eileen my sincere thoughts and prayers are with you, Pam, and the family. May God bless John and may he rest in peace. Dennis

Eileen and Pam, We were so sorry to hear of John's passing and know what a difficult time this is for you both. It has been a long time since our days together in Libertyville and Heritage Dance Theater, but we both remember John taking his turn with Mike "out front". He was always quiet and kind with a smile on his face. Please know you both, along with the rest of your family, are in our prayers.

Eileen: We are so sad to learn of John's passing. Our hearts go out to you and Pam during this difficult time. We have such wonderful memories of the times we spent with you. John's fantastic smile, the great sense of fun and adventure and your utmost devotion to one another. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Eileen, It was with great sadness that I learned of John's passing. John and I went to Central School from K-5, then on to Highland Jr High and LHS. Though I never lived in Libertyville past high school, I continued to hear comments about what a wonderful person and professional he was. We have all lost a great friend. With deep sympathy, Diane ps Did you know he was a powerful bootball player in grade school? I always wanted to be on his team, if for no other reason that I didn't want to field his strong kicks.

Eileen, It was with great sadness that I learned of John's passing. John and I went to Central School from K-5, then on to Highland Jr High and LHS. Though I never lived in Libertyville past high school, I continued to hear comments about what a wonderful person and professional he was. We have all lost a great friend. With deep sympathy, Diane ps Did you know he was a powerful bootball player in grade school? I always wanted to be on his team, if for no other reason that I didn't want to field his strong kicks.

Eileen and Pam, I'm not sure how much you remember me- I'm Winston's daughter. I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. I don't remember him much, but I'll never forget when we stayed with you and Pam and I stayed up all night dancing just because we could. Please know that you're in my prayers. Andrea

We will really miss John. His devotion to his family was evident to all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his entire family during this difficult time. Tina, Kris and Georgia Harnage

Dear Eileen and Family: Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We were saddened to hear of John's passing. We are so fortunate to have met you and John during our boating days. Whenever we would come down to the dock and visit, you both always invited us to come on board 'Cop Out' and we always enjoyed visiting with you. John always had a smile for everyone he met, a wonderful personality, and always such a gentleman. One special memory I have is of when you and John invited all of us 'boaters' to your beautiful home for a summer get together and you were giving us a tour. We were in your bedroom and looking out over Lake Neshonic at the beautiful view. I can't recall the exact words but remember you saying John would say every morning something to the effect of "It's another beautiful day in Paradise" as he looked out. Please be comforted in knowing we are thinking of you.

We were deeply saddened to hear of John's sudden passing. We have such fond memories of our "boating times" together on "D" Dock. John always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. We enjoyed our conversations with John and Eileen and always knew we would share a few laughs when together. I can still remember the first time they invited us to board "Cop Out." John was a gentleman and a person of the highest integrity. His family was the most important thing in the world to him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May your wonderful memories be a comfort to you during this very difficult time.

Our prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.

Eileen and Pam, my heartfelt condolensces to you. I have great memories as well of us all together in Savanna, your home in Libertyville, and the great trip to New Orleans in '92. John was larger than life and he will be missed tremendously. Love and prayers.

We were so very sorry to hear that John had passed away. We know that he was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. We also know that the days ahead without him will be very difficult for all of you. You have our deepest sympathy, and we hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.

Dear Eileen and family, The news of John's passing is very sad.We all must cherish the time we do have together! If you need anything, I can be there in 3 hours. Please don't hesitate to call. I'm in Hayward, Wi. Love and peace to you. Kathy

Eileen, please accept my deepest sympathies. John and I became good friends in junior high, and I've admired him from afar ever since. He was simply a very good person, and extremeyl bright as well. Tom Snow

I just want to express my deepest sympathy to Eileen, Pam and the whole family. Heartfelt prayers are sent your way. Love, Nikki

I haven't seen John in a few years, but I have such great memories of not only being a classmate in the great class of '65 but also of growing up together on Stewart Ave. I can recall vividly not being allowed in the boys clubhouse in his backyard. Dennis and I ran into John and Eileen at Winona State University where our children attended college and as usual it was like old times talking to both of them. I am sad that a wonderful man has died.

Eileen, I were shocked by John's passing. I have great memories of the things John and I did together as kids growing up in Libertyville. Thinking of you and Pam at this time of sadness. Joe Wilson, Libertyville

I am seven years older than John and I can remeber him as an infant. One of my early memories was of my Mother caring for John while his parents were away for the day. Another memory was that of staying with John and Eileen when my wife and I came back to Libertyville for my class reunion. Their daughter daughter Pam and our daughter Andrea danced the night away whule Jo and I went to the class reunion. Later, when I was diagnosed with the family "curse," heart disease, John counciled me on what I should do, saying that if it came to bypass surgery I should fear not. He knew what of he spoke, he had been there himself. We cousins are now four, Bob Hawk, Pat O"Neal, Judy Driscoll and myself. John, you shall be missed by all of us. We each have fond memories.

We are going to miss John a great deal. What an unexpected and shocking tragedy! I have great memories of "Uncle" John growing up in Savanna...shooting guns, hanging out on the river bank, Thansgiving dinners in Savanna and Libertyville. You guys always made them more special. I was always excited when I knew John & Eileen would be visiting. And you knew there would not be a dull moment when Ron and John were in the same room. I know we havn't had that in quite some time, but it still seems like yesterday to me. I will miss him tremendously.

Dear Eileen and Pam, I was shocked and very saddened to hear about John. Ron called me yesterday morning, and was, as you can guess, very shaken. I thought about John all day. I remember being a very little girl, and John being at our house to attend Weeblos and Boy Scouts and hang out with Ron. They were the typical older brothers, teasing me and playing games when it suited! John was always so laid back and funny....he could make any comment, deadpan and looking quite serious, and we'd all crack up. I learned to appreciate his humor--it just took me a few years to grow up enough to understand it! I know that my parents respected John a lot. They were also quite fond of him. We all were, and his loss will be felt by my family. Our sympathies to you all at this time. Love, Diane