John Patrick Michael McCarthy

John Patrick Michael McCarthy passed away peacefully on April 23, 2009 surrounded by loved ones at his beloved Blue Mountain Ranch in Kimble County, near Junction, Texas.

John was born on March 14, 1947 to Edward Bernard McCarthy and Mary Anne Shirley Gersich McCarthy in Waukegan, Illinois.

John was president of his student council and class, graduating high school from North Chicago Community High School in North Chicago, Illinois. John graduated college from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, Sigma Pi, with a Bachelors Degree in Geology. During Vietnam John enlisted with the Navy Flyers and became an officer in the United States Military. After the war, he returned to Northern Illinois University and earned a Master's degree in Geology. John then pursued a career in the oil & gas industry and worked for many years for a major oil & gas company.

John moved to Midland, Texas in 1976 from New Orleans, Louisiana. After more than a decade working for others he soon declared himself an independent petroleum geologist. John formed many friendships in Midland and has always been very proud to be a member of the West Texas community. With over 40 years experience in oil & gas, John lived through many changing and challenging times. It can be said; this was an oil man. He loved what he did and lived his life with passion and integrity.

John married Rebecca Anne Person in January of 1986. Surviving many booms and busts, their marriage blossomed into life. No one can doubt John and Rebecca were meant for one another. They loved each other with every bit of their hearts and took much joy in living life together.

John and his family spent many wonderful days on his ranch. He loved working the land, repairing fences, feeding cattle and using his chainsaw to mega-landscape. He also loved to hunt and always provided for his family and friends. John studied and enjoyed several hobbies including bird watching, pottery, arrowhead hunting and star gazing. The small Hill Country town of Junction, Texas has been great to John and Rebecca. Support and prayers for John from this extended family are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.

John was preceded in death by his father, Edward B. McCarthy; brother, Edward A. McCarthy; brother-in-law, David Stolarick; nephew, Matthew Stolarick and father-in-law, Oscar Person.

John is survived by his loving wife, partner and nemesis of 23 years, Rebecca A. McCarthy of Midland, Texas; his two sons, Tobias M. McCarthy and J.P. McCarthy II both of Midland, Texas; his two daughters, Twyla J. McCarthy of Dallas, Texas and Kaitlyn E. Garza of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his mother, Shirley McCarthy of North Chicago, Illinois; two sisters, Kathy Stolarick of Gurnee, Illinois and Mary McCarthy of Bolingbrook, Illinois; mother-in-law, Marianne Person of Midland, Texas; brother-in-law, John Person and wife Jan of Midland, Texas; sisters-in-law, Brenda McCarthy of Fox Lake, Illinois and Mary Catherine Person of Austin, Texas.

John is also survived by the many wonderful people he has met and grown to love over the years. These friends, far too many to mention, have always been considered family and loved ones. Last but certainly not least, John is also survived by the animals he kept as pets. He often fondly called these pets Rebecca's "baggage"; eleven burros, fifteen cows, two bulls, two horses, a llama, a sheep, three loving cats, one faithful dog and a hated parrot survived John. He accepted them all begrudgingly for the love of his wife.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the favorite charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place online condolences please visit www.mem.com.