John Joseph Scott, 102, of Willowbrook passed away at home peacefully on Nov. 24, 2023, after a rich and blessed life.
He was born in 1921 to John and Grace Scott in Chicago.
John was a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He bravely served in Gen. Patton's 3rd Army in the 177th Field Artillery Battalion in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany for two and half years.
When he returned home to Chicago, he met and married the love of his life, Marion. Marion and John celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in October, and were an inspirational example of a true partnership. After Marion's recent passing on Nov. 1, it was clear that John did not feel complete without her and missed her greatly.
John was always an incredibly hard worker, professionally and personally. He was a co-owner of Kickert School Bus Line, one of the first school bus companies in the state of Illinois, and put in long, physical hours to make the business successful. What he will be remembered most for is how he loved his family; serving others was his love language. "Call me anytime, day or night" was his standing invitation to his family. Whether mowing the lawn, planting flowers, running an errand, dropping off a meal or giving a ride, John could not do enough for his loved ones. John also rescued countless cats and dogs, many of which he ended up keeping as his own pets. He had a special gift. Animals loved and trusted John within a few minutes of being around him.
He loved working with his hands and there wasn't much that he couldn't figure out on his own. He painted rooms, installed wallpaper, built a dollhouse and even finished his daughter's basement, complete with a full wet bar. He had a beautiful singing voice, even at 102, and it was how he expressed his joy. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and a caring spirit that put others at ease. One of John's favorite passions was golf and he played until he was 96.
John and Marion made Christ Church of Oak Brook their church home for many years. He was a strong and joyful believer.
He is survived by his daughter, Gayle (Philip) Perzek of Hinsdale; and his granddaughter, Rachel (Daniel) Egan.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; his five sisters; and one brother.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, 7000 S Madison St., Willowbrook.
Services and interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to Bible League International at http://www.bibleleague.org or Best Friends Animal Society at http://www.bestfriends.org.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
