John Walsh D’Arcy III transitioned peacefully into heaven Aug. 23, 2016, at the age of 90.
John was known as being devoted to God, family and community throughout his fruitful life. Born and raised in Joliet, John attended St. Raymond’s in Joliet and St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota, before serving in the U.S. Navy as a bombardier during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended the University of St. Thomas, also in St. Paul.
John was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Jeanette (O’Donnell) and by his eight children, Margaret (Jim) Lacey, John (Diane), Kevin (Vicky), Terry (Sue), Patrick (Kathy), Candace (Tom) Nielsen, Michael (Beverly), Tom (Sue); and his 25 cherished grandchildren: Kristen Corcoran; Scott, Mike and John Lacey; Jennifer Ness; John and Ryan D’Arcy; Jim, Brooke and Andrew D’Arcy; Chris, Nick, Harry and Jack D’Arcy; Beau D’Arcy; Bridget Platt; Brendan and Christian Nielsen; Stephanie Greene; Lauren Crawford; Jeff and Lucas D’Arcy; and Sean, Lily and Aiden D’Arcy. He is also survived by his 16 great grandchildren; brother, Edward (Barbara) D’Arcy; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Verna (nee Dyer) and John D’Arcy.
As an active member of St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Plainfield, John served on various boards supporting the growth of the church and school. His voice was familiar to daily communicants as John regularly lectured, and often times adding singing at the am masses. Later, John was actively involved in and a member of the boards of the Joliet Franciscan Sisters, as well as Catholic Charities.
His professional career included banking, entrepreneurism and investments. It was started in banking with the Pullman bank in Chicago where he eventually was instrumental in initiating the Illinois Bank Charge before it was merged into the VISA brand. His integrity, drive and experience caught the interest of several Joliet businessmen who recruited John to lead the founding of Heritage Bank and Trust in 1971. Various investments including the founding of International Games, distributor of the popular card game UNO enabled John to later realize his true lifelong ambition of driving tractors and farming. Upon his retirement from banking, John purchased various farms and operated them with his sons. John founded JJD Enterprises and Caton Farms.
In addition to raising eight children, John and his wife Jeanette actively served the communities of Plainfield and Joliet. He was past president of the Joliet Rotary Club, an elected Plainfield Village Trustee, member of the Plainfield Library Board, trustee of the University of St. Francis in Joliet and long time benefactor of Lewis University in Romeoville. John shared his gifts of time, talent and treasure within the greater Joliet area and beyond.
Visitation was held Aug. 26 from 3 – 8 p.m. at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Road, Plainfield. Additional visitation held Aug. 27 from 9 – 10:15 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield. A Mass of Christian Burial held at 10:30 a.m. in the church. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Joliet.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Joliet Area Community Hospice – 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431, 815-740-4104, www.joliethospice.org – or the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate – 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL 60435, 815-725-8735, www.jolietfranciscans.org.