John LaCourt
Chicago on 17 May 1937
Phoenix on 11 August 2015
78 years
A private event with his immediate family will be held at a later date.
Born to Eleanor and Wesley LaCourt on May 17th, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, John, or Jack to his family and friends, was the eldest of three siblings: Richard, George, and Isabelle. When he was a young child, his family relocated to Bay City, Michigan. During World War II and for the rest of his working career, his father, Wesley, worked as a superintendent at Defoe’s Shipbuilding Company and the family had a small farm where John and his siblings worked hard and developed a strong work ethic. He discovered one of his passions in high school, playing football. With his 5’8” frame, he relied on his determination and “play smart” abilities to become a star running back on the Handy High School football team. It was there where he met the greatest love of his life, Jeanette. He loved to tell the story of how they were double dating, each with a different date, but flirting with each other. (I think he was always smitten with her : ) After graduating from Handy High School in 1955, he attended junior college and worked as a welder at Defoe’s for one year. During that year, he and Jeanette became engaged and were married on September 1, 1956. Together, they left Bay City and moved into a tiny 30’ trailer in East Lansing, Michigan where John attended Michigan State University and Jeanette worked full time supporting them and his education. He graduated from MSU in June 1960 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and was immediately offered a job with Firestone in the Detroit area, so he and Jeanette relocated to Ferndale, Michigan. It was at Firestone where he became “Jack” since there were three other “Johns” working at the same location, a nickname he adopted for the rest of his life. One and a half years later his draft deferment, Karen (Karrie), was born. In 1962, he and a business partner opened their first tire store, Capital Tire, in Farmington, Michigan. With much hard work, long hours, and determination, their business eventually grew to include sixteen tire stores across Michigan. In 1977, Jack was involved in a near-fatal auto crash and, while recovering, decided to move to the dry, warm climate of Phoenix, Arizona. So, in 1978, leaving all family and friends, Jack, Jeanette, and Karrie moved to Phoenix to their current home. He worked the remainder of his career in sales, tire sales then pool sales, retiring from Shasta Pools in 2000. He retired one year before Jeanette retired, which Jeanette said was one of the smartest things she ever did because he took over all the household duties of cooking and cleaning during that time and continued throughout their retirement years which were focused on their family especially time with their grandkids, Savannah and Ryan. Unfortunately and unexpectedly, John/Jack passed away August 11th, 2015 in his Phoenix, Arizona home. We miss him already.
To say that John was one of a kind would be an undeniable understatement to all who interacted with him. The continuous generosity, humor, wit, kindness, and wisdom he shared with those around him exist as only few examples of the incredible husband, father, grandfather, and friend he was. His passion for sports, particularly the Michigan State Spartans, and willingness to continue to support the Arizona Cardinals were only surpassed by one greater love in his life: his family. His incredible wife Jeanette and daughter Karen were his best friends, for nothing brought him more joy than being a part of their lives, supporting them through every peak and valley, and always acting as a pillar of love and comfort. His dedication to the lives of his only grandchildren Savannah and Ryan is only one example of the love he possessed for his family. More than just the graduations, recitals, concerts, and baseball/softball games of which he was always in attendance for, he was a constant presence in their lives, from making meals at all hours of the day between their school breaks to talking about life and the importance of hard work while floating in the pool. There has never been and will never be a greater Papa. His life was one of hard work, adventure, perseverance, and love. His absence creates a hole in our lives we know will never be filled.
We encourage anyone to share photos or memories of John below, and click on the slideshow to view images from his life.
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My husband Bob and I have known Jan & Jack since the early 60's. We considered them to be our best friends. Jack was always a happy go lucky guy who never said a bad word about anyone. If he knew you were upset or feeling down, he saw to it to cheer you up. We had a lot of fun and laughs together and wonderful memories through the years. We would watch the hometown parade together and enjoyed motorcycling and snowmobiling at the cabin in West Branch with our families. Jack was a true friend -he will be missed. Here's to you Jack -until we meet again! Love, Barb Houchins.
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From Jodi Fabrizio-Clontz: Uncle John LaCourt The loss of Uncle John has been lying heavy on my heart. He always had a smile on his face. I have some very fond memories of him as a child. He use to tease all of the cousins (nieces and nephews to him) about flushing us down the toilet. When we would visit him, Aunt Jeanette and Karrie in Farmington, MI, he always went out of his way to entertain us and make us feel welcome. The more current memories of him were the advice he would give me on being self employed. When I became a REALTOR, he gave me some advice that I have never forgotten and I have shared it with many of my colleges. It was advice I will never forget and will always think of him fondly. I added him to the newsletter mailing list at my current job. He would text me when he received a newsletter and say sweet things to me. I am going to miss him dearly and really wish I could have lived closer to him. God has received a very special angel and I have lost a very special uncle. May he rest in peace and watch over Aunt Jeanette, Karrie and her family during this difficult time. Jodi Fabrizio-Clontz
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From Ed and Della Falkman: John was special. The summer before John and Jeanette were married I stayed at the Bay City house. All of 12 years old and with no local friends I could think of nothing better than to hang out with John and Jeanette in the evenings when they were done work. Rather than treating me like a pest (which I clearly was) John included me in their social activities. Just what they needed during the last month before they got married – a 12 year old chaperon. Looking back on it, in effect John treated me like another younger sibling. I remember spending time at some lake with John and his family. His brother George had built a 14 foot speed boat which had an outboard motor the size of the boat. It was basically a flat piece of wood attached to a huge outboard motor. I loved boats and water so that was a special week end. I remember their wedding with great fondness. The church was so new it almost wasn’t completed by the day of the wedding. I believe it was the first wedding to be held in that cuurch. I thought the wedding was a fairytale story with lots of attendants. The fact that they then lived in a tiny 30’ silver trailer for 4 years is a real testimony to how compatible John and Jeanette were, living in such close quarters so long and thriving. John was all heart. When I was in college I hitchhiked from western Illinois to Farmington to see them. I was impressed with John’s tire stores. We discussed his plans for helping others with his capital. He had all the qualities that made him so special: Bright, curious, always enhancing his knowledge on many subjects, extremely hard working, fun, quick witted, insightful and cheeky. He was forever a pleasure to be with. Informative and yet inquisitive. Both a good listener and a good advisor. Rare. Della and I had a wonderful time in Phoenix during our last trip, much due to John’s enduring charm, warmth and caring. John touched many and will be missed by all those he touched. For Jeanette, Karrie, Tim, Savannah and Ryan I know losing such a wonderful spirit will leave a HUGE hole but John was loved and respected by many and he enriched your lives in many ways. This love and respect will help carry you along forever as you go forward. Ed and Della
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From Isabelle Tiglio: Tribute to John. How do I even begin to state how important John was in my life. Being the oldest of us four siblings, I always looked up to him as a protector. I always thought John and Jeanette lit up the room when they entered. I really don't remember Jeanette not being part of our family, as her and John were high school sweethearts. One of my best memories was at Silver Valley when I was with John and Jeanette and John carved their initials in a big oak tree. That was when they told me they were getting married. I was so excited that I was finally going to have a sister. I remember crying the night they were married as I realized John would never live in our house any more. I have great memories when Karrie was born and I spent some time with John and Jeanette in helping with the new little girl. I loved that bonding time with all of them. I remember a time when John and Jan came to Bay City and around midnight we decided to invite the whole family to our house for a brunch with an Italian meal. I stayed up all night cooking. I have another memory that shows what as big heart John had. When our dad was drying in the hospital, Mike had spent the whole night with dad and when he went to our car in the parking lot only to have as flat tire. The following week he took our car to his store and put four new tires on it at his expense. I could go on and on, but at the end, I can't believe he is only memories to me now. I love you John. I love Jeanette and was always happy to see the twinkle in Johns eyes when he looked at his Nettie. His family was his life and his love for all of them was his priority in life. Isabelle Tiglio
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From George and Elaine LaCourt: Memories of John. There are so many where do you start? Some of the best ones are from West Branch snowmobiling. Where John and Jeanette opened their cabin up to us like it was our own. One of John's favorite was the old West Branch shower where you sprayed a little deodorant under your arms and you were off. We were up there almost every weekend in the winter. But there are so many more like taking us to sporting events in Detroit in his Nash Metropolitan so he could find a parking space easier. Most of all I'm going to miss our phone calls where I stayed up to date on Karrie and her family who he couldn't say enough about. We miss you very much already. George and Elaine LaCourt
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Dear Jeanette and Karen, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Although I did not know John and I am coming to you as a stranger, I was very moved by your kind words about him. Truly, this was very well written. I felt as though I got a glimps of John's life and more importantly his outstandingly generous character. However, the reason I am writting to you is not only to offer condolences but also to provide comfort from the bible. Death is by far one of the hardest things to cope with. What's interesting to note though, is that in God's original will we were not intended to die (Gen 9:7). God takes no pleasure in us dying nor does he have anything to do with it. However, God does reassure us that there will be a resurrection for those who have passed away. Acts 24:15 reads, "There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." and John 5:28,29 reads, "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". When I lost my uncle and my grandfather these scriptures made it so real to me that I would in fact see them again. John was obviously loved by so many people and he is not only in all of your memories, but he is in God's memory as well. Although I'm sure you both are hurting, take comfort in knowing Jehovah God promises to do away with death forever and that this pain is only temporary. I wish the best to you both and the rest of your family, and I know John will be delighted to see you all again soon! - Sarah Smith
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From Mary Jane Green: It seems just like yesterday Jack and Jeanette came into my husband’s life as well as mine, but it was in the early 90s that we got together for a company Christmas party at the Glendale Community Center and later found ourselves having breakfast and lunches together and becoming good friends. Jack and my husband Ron shared all the same interests, Jack being so up on current events, sports, etc. When I think about Jack I find myself in a whirlwind of thoughts: Jack and Jeanette driving us to UCLA for a possible heart transplant consideration not once but for several times a year for three or four years – making the trip over the hot desert, the car rental overheated at 117 degrees – the Quartzite police rescuing us – Ron drinking hot coffee, Jack drinking ice water. Jack made those trips possible, planning lunch of fish and chips on the sandy beach with the cool breezes rolling over Ron – memories I will forever cherish because Jack was that someone who gave faith, hope, peace, and comfort to another human being. Jack was such a caring, loving friend that my husband and I felt that he and his wife were the family we never had. His presence at my husband’s funeral, taking over the responsibilities for me, were gratefully accepted. My recent falling on the floor with three fractured vertebra in the middle of the night and calling Jack and Jeanette for help to get to the hospital, they showed their kindness by rushing to my side. And when the door to another world opened and Jack slipped through to be met with his family and friends, I knew my husband and I were truly blessed with a once in a lifetime friendship that many never had, slipping away to another world just a breath or two away. White flowers will always remind me of tears that are shed for someone we truly love as a brother. God truly gave me a gift: him. Mary Jane Green
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From Tracy Lange: I didn’t have as many opportunities to visit with Jack as I would have liked, but every time we were at a family function or event together I was struck by how charming, funny and caring he was. Observing he and Jeanette together was always a testament to a wonderful marriage, as they clearly loved and supported one another and had a strong relationship together. My heart goes out to Jeanette as she faces a future without her partner and friend that has been part of her life for so long. It was also clear that Jack was a devoted father, grandfather and father-in-law. He had such a close and loving relationship with his entire family, and it always touched my heart. I love my brother Tim, his wife Karen and their kids Savannah and Ryan with every fiber of my being, and I know how devastating this loss is to them and to Jeanette. Jack not only accepted my brother into the family, but also welcomed him with open arms and became a father figure and friend. I know that the times spent at Jack and Jeanette’s house enjoying each other’s company were lively, fun and relaxing for everyone involved, and to feel completely comfortable, accepted and appreciated is such a gift. Jack was also an amazing grandfather who cherished attending every dance recital, softball game, music gig, holiday, ceremony or graduation of his grandchildren. The bond they shared will make his loss so difficult, but the memories and feelings will remain, and the time that was shared was precious. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone who loved Jack and is facing his absence. He lives on in all of our memories and in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you, always. Tracy Lange
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Your pain is in my heart.May you find comfort in Revelation21:3,4-“and death will be no more......” .You are in my prayers.
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