John F. McCartney

JOHN FRANCIS JOSEPH McCARTNEY
JACK
July 14, 1939 - December 21, 2025
The Honourable John F. McCartney, our dear Jack, passed away peacefully at camp, surrounded by the love of his family and the splendour of a brilliant Lake Superior morning.

Jack was born in Fort William to Francis Joseph (Frank) McCartney and Alma Rena Fedell. While he celebrated both his Irish and Italian roots, he was first and foremost a passionate Canadian.

Jack attended St. Mary's Elementary School, St. Patrick's High School, and Assumption University (now the University of Windsor). In 1965, he graduated from the University of Ottawa Law School, where he made life-long friends. He articled with Weiler, Maloney and Nelson and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1967. After two years of practice, Jack, along with his esteemed colleague and friend, Ross B. Judge, established the law firm of McCartney and Judge (later, McCartney, Judge and Murray). While managing a busy litigation practice, he also served as Area Director of Legal Aid Ontario for 18 years, playing a key role in establishing the fly-in Court system and the expanded role of duty counsel within those Courts. In 1996, Jack was appointed a Justice of the Ontario Superior Court and felt privileged to serve in that position for 18 years. In all areas of his professional life, he had the utmost respect and affection for all those who supported him.

In 1966, Jack married Susan Marie Valley, and together they raised their family in the house they built on Confederation Drive, a neighbourhood filled with young families who became dear friends. There they remained for the next 55 years.

Since 1974, Jack and Susan have gathered their extended family at their beloved Bay's End camp, a magical place that resonates across four generations. It is here, after a swim, a sauna, a paddle, or a bonfire on the beach, that bonds have been formed which celebrate, console, and support. It is here they count their blessings and will forever feel Jack's presence.

Jack's deep belief in civic engagement and social justice led to his involvement in many local organizations in various capacities throughout the years. He chaired the Boards of Lakehead University, the Children's Aid Society, and the Thunder Bay Law Association, and served on the Executive of the Ontario Superior Court Judges' Association, and on several Parish Councils. In 1998, he was made a Fellow of Lakehead University, in recognition of his community service.

Jack is survived by Susan, his sweetheart of 60 years, his beloved four children, and ten cherished grandchildren who adored their Papa: Kate McCartney and Peter Hopley, of Kelowna, and their children, Matthew, Anna and Markus; John and Catherine McCartney of Toronto, and their children, Alexandra, Madeleine and Daniel; Maureen (Mimi) McCartney-Cameron and Gavin Cameron of Calgary, and their children Jack and Kathleen; and Neil McCartney and Kirsten Addison of Thunder Bay, and their children Clara and Ewan. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Barbara Viehbeck of Thunder Bay, brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Myra Valley of Oakville, nieces and nephews Sarah and Davis Viehbeck, and John Matthew and Daniel Valley, and their families. He also leaves behind a host of loving friends, whose kindness and support will never be forgotten.

Jack loved the natural world, had a keen interest in politics, and was an avid skier and traveller. He delighted in people and had an amazing ability to converse with anyone and everyone. He was endlessly curious and found joy and humour in life's little things. He lived a life of quiet humility, deep gratitude, great generosity, and abiding faith and love. He saw the best in everything, and the good in everyone. He truly was our North Star.

Our family will be eternally grateful to the entire oncology team at the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre, led by Dr. Nicole Laferriere, for their compassionate care; we could not have asked for more. We also offer our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jeremy Mozzon for his conscientious and professional support over many years.

A private family Mass has been held at St. Mark's Chapel, Jack's beloved "camp church."

A Mass of Thanksgiving for Jack's life will take place at 3:00 pm on January 16, 2026, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, with reception to follow. Sincere thanks to Father Francis Pudicherry and Monsignor Pat Stilla for their friendship and pastoral care over many years.

Flowers are gratefully declined, but if friends so desire, donations in Jack's honour may be made to the Dew Drop Inn, the Thunder Bay Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

"For thy sweet love remembered" ~ Sonnet 29
Online condolences may be offered at www.sargentandson.com