John C. "Jack" MacMeekin's Obituary
John C. “Jack” MacMeekin, age 94, of Spring Lake passed away Sunday, April 19, 2020, at Heartwood Lodge Hospice Residence. He was born December 16, 1925, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Thomas and Aileen (Markell) MacMeekin.
John served in the Merchant Marine during World War II, in both Hawaii and New Guinea. After leaving the Merchant Marines, he was drafted into the Army, where he volunteered for paratrooper training at Fort Benning, GA and served in the 11th Airborne Division, in the Philippines and Japan. After his military service, he attended Michigan State University, where he graduated in 1951.
John loved Lake Michigan, so it was fitting that on the beach of North Muskegon State Park he met the love of his life, Barb Potter. They married and moved to Grand Rapids, where John began his 36-year career with Old Kent Bank as a mortgage banker.
During his retirement, he and Barb moved to Spring Lake where they enjoyed many outdoor activities. He especially loved swimming, biking, walking, and canoeing on Lloyd’s Bayou and the Grand River.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara MacMeekin; twin brother, Bill (Joyce) MacMeekin; three daughters: Janet Neal of Little Falls, NJ, Jean MacMeekin of Harper Woods, MI, and Joan MacMeekin of Grand Haven; three grandchildren: TJ (Jing) Neal, Chris (Marisa) Neal, and Emily Neal; great-granddaughter, Jordyn; nieces, Lynn (Moore) Waldo and Dana Judd; and nephews, Cory Judd and David Moore. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Aileen (Warren) Mills; two brothers, Thomas (Helen) MacMeekin and G. Bruce MacMeekin; and sister-in-law, Anne (Potter) Moore. Jack will be missed by all in his neighborhood who admired him and his daily walks.
Per John’s wishes a family reunion and time of remembrance will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation (alzfdn.org). Services are entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemfh.com.
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