CHATHAM, IL – John D. "Jack" McDermott, 82, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018, at Memorial Medical Center after a long, courageous battle with lung cancer.

Jack was born May 8, 1936, in Philadelphia, PA. He was preceded in death by parents, George and Elizabeth (Darrah) McDermott and two sisters, Betty (Jim) Duffy and Peggy (Bill) Rose. He met his best friend, Bobby (Joan) Croke at the age of four and they were lifelong friends for 73 years. They also preceded him in death.

Jack attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Grade School and Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He enlisted in the US Army in 1956 and served in Korea as a helicopter mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1962 and had a lifelong respect for all who serve.

Jack met the love of his life, Mary S. Killeen, at a dance in October 1955 and they married September 27, 1958 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Philadelphia. Jack was probably most proud of his children, Mary Seton (Bill) Smart of Hatboro, PA, Eileen (Steve) Parn of Springfield, John (Connie) McDermott, Jr., of Hagerstown, MD, Joan (Tim) Casper of Plymouth, WI, and Bill (Kristin) McDermott of Loveland, OH. Jack was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. All survive him, except one grandson, Brandon Michael Casper, who was waiting for him in heaven.

Jack earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from LaSalle College in Philadelphia. He served as the Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President and President of LaSalle College Evening Division-Student Congress and was a member of Cross Keys Student Service Fraternity. Jack took care of his family by working multiple jobs at a time, which included driving a chicken delivery car at night. He was employed with Standard Pressed Steel, 3M, and Morton Salt in Pennsylvania. He moved his family to Illinois while employed with Dickey-john Corp and went on to work with Meyer Snow Plow. Over the years he worked for several local dealerships, including Young Motors, Tjelmeland Laketown Automotive, Parkway Motors and Honda of Illinois and in retirement, he opened McDermott Motors in Springfield. He truly appreciated many friendships in the car sales business.

Jack learned early on the value of generosity and a giving heart. He treasured time with family most and never needed "stuff." He took great joy in offering treats to dogs- known and unknown. In his final days, the only thing he needed or wanted was to know his wife of almost 60 years was by his side and he left this world holding her hand.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. Additional visitation will be 9 a.m. until the time of a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, Chatham, with Fr. John Nolan officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.