John J. Jurcyk Jr., 88 years of age, passed into eternal life the morning of December 29, 2018 at Lakeview Rehabilitation Center.
John was born on April 15, 1930 to John and Ann Kordash Jurcyk in Kansas City, Kansas. After graduating from Rockhurst University in 1952, he served in the 13th combat Engineer Battalion in the US Army in Korea. He then attended the University of Kansas Law School where he served as Editor-in Chief of the Kansas Law Review. After a Federal Court Clerkship, he began his long association with the McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips P.A. Law Firm He received numerous professional awards during his long career as civil trial attorney practice for his zealous and ethical conduct. He was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was president of the Wyandotte County Bar Association and the President of the Kansas Bar Foundation.
Always active in his community and politics--especially "beautiful, historic and sunny downtown Kansas City, KS"--John served as Senior Policy Advisor for Mayor Joe Reardon before returning to his firm where he remained until his death.
He was the chairman or board member of at least seventeen different civic organization including six years of service on the Providence Medical Center, Chairman of the Board of Education for Bishop Ward High School, president of the Wyandotte County Guidance and Mental Health Center, Chairman of the KCK area Chamber of Commerce, President of the Board for Vila St. Francis, Chair for the United Way of Wyandotte Country, Inc.
As a lifelong Roman Catholic and a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Parish in Kansas City, KS, John was active in the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher and the Serra Club where he was part of the Board of Governors.
John is survived by the love-of-his life of 61 years, Rita Marie Menghini, who he married on July 13, 1952. Five children were born of the marriage: children, Jeff Jurcyk of Kansas City, KS; John David Jurcyk (Sarah) of Fairway, KS; Amy Benitz (Jerry) of Harvard, MA; Alison Schieber (Keith) of St. Joseph, MO, Annie Jurcyk-Borders of Kansas City, MO and a sister Mary Cameron of Kansas City, MO and eleven grandchildren, Jordan (Patti), Seth, Christopher, Maria, John, Max, Emma, Joe, Clare, Edmund and Leonardo and two great grandchildren, Eloise "Lulu" and Winslow.
John is preceded in death by his parents and by a son-in-law Nate Borders.
John was quoted on in the KBA Journal following an award for Professionalism which serves as good advice for attorneys and even others and demonstrates how he lived. "Be professional – courteous and truthful always. Remember we practice the law – no one is perfect. Work hard, but work as a team. Love what you do, be passionate about it. Have fun and welcome creative solutions. Respect history’s lessons. Love your family and make time for them. Give back to the community in service and profits. Forget insults. Have a sense of humor. Keep brewed coffee on the warmer. Keep beer in the refrigerator. Keep popcorn in your drawer. Honor the law."
Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. with the Rosary being prayed at 10:15 a.m. The Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1086 N. 94th St. Kansas City, KS. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kansas City, KS. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Catholic Charities or to St. Patrick School.