John Franklin (Jack) McGinnis, of Springfield, MO, concluded his time on earth on Sunday, December 13, 2020.  Jack, son of Paul and Sidney McGinnis, was 87 years old.  He leaves his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Margot Hogin, two daughters, Susan Gilmore, and Linda McGauley (Mike), four grandchildren,  Sarah Suffel (Josh), Tyler McGauley, Juliana Buzard,  Lauren McGauley,  and three great grand children. In addition, a brother, Charles survives and many other family members. He is predeceased by a sister, Nancy Handling.  He is remembered by all as generous, hospitable, fun loving, and family oriented.  He enjoyed lifelong interests in autos and fishing.  His higher education was through General Motors Institute, a cooperative, auto associated educational opportunity that involved concurrent, part time work for Pontiac Motor Car Co. The great majority of his working life was dedicated to Pontiac.

Fishing the cold water of Bennett Spring was an important part of Jack's life.  He not only practiced sportsmanship through his fishing, but he was a master in the entire process of catching, cleaning, and cooking the fresh catch.  He loved passing his skill along to others and enticing and teaching the younger family members whenever they visited.  Uncle Jack left a nearly unlimited cache of happy memories. The kids remember float trips he arranged and unlimited soft drinks from his cooler.  Older family members recall the work he did each two years to bring them together for a reunion, and the icy cold beer always available at his place.

Jack and Margot enjoyed traveling and exploring their beloved country.  They visited 49 of the 50 states, omitting only Hawaii, which proved too challenging to visit in their motor home.  He and others of the family met to watch the experimental aircraft show in Oshkosh, WI annually for several years.  He loved crashing through the Ozark underbrush in his four-wheel drive pickups. The kids who rode along will never forget these outings.

More seriously, Jack served his country in the US Army, including an overseas tour in Korea.  He was active in Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, and he donated blood as often as the Red Cross would allow.  Jack was thoughtful, considerate, courteous, and dependable.  He knew how to live and to love.  His care for Margot is seldom matched between couples today.  There were bumps and obstacles, but love inevitably triumphed.  Jack will be missed by all who knew him.  His indomitable spirit lives on, comforting and motivating those left behind.  We are all richer for having known him.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Heart Association.

Memorial services will take place next year at a later date to be announced.