Photo courtesy of Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home - Westchester
Westchester, Illinois
Apr 6, 1958 – Sep 26, 2024
John Jude Powers peacefully passed away on September 26, 2024. A lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area, John was a 1976 graduate of Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois. He starred on the football team and set the 1976 shot put Illinois state record amongst, many additional athletic and academic achievements; honored for his accomplishments in 2011, he was inducted into Catholic League Hall of Fame.
He went on to play football at the University of Michigan from 1976 to 1981, under legendary coach Bo Schembechler, where he played in four Rose Bowls. Following his football career, he began his profession at the Chicago Board of Trade.
A devout Catholic, John dedicated his life to putting the needs of others before his own, especially focusing on those of family, most notably his wife, children and grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patricia Powers (neé McAuliffe); his loving children, Mary Grace Powers and Connor Powers (Rachel); his adoring grandchildren, Hank and Anastasia; his sisters, Mary Helen Brady (James) and Jamie Kuzniar (Jason); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret (neé McGuire) and James Powers, his sister Kathleen McMahon and brother-in-law Joseph McMahon.
Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All to meet Thursday at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs for an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, participation in the National Marrow Donor Program or donations to The Fred Hutch Cancer Center are welcomed by John's family. For funeral info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.
Read MoreJohn you were a positive happy guy, may the saints welcome you into the eternal banquet of our lord. May you be at peace in Christ.
Mark Madden
October 02, 2024 | Wheaton, IL | Friend
Our condolences from the entire Freeman Family. So very sorry for your loss. We will include you in our prayers.
Harry & Donna Freeman
October 02, 2024 | Marietta, GA
To the Powers family, I am so sorry for your loss. Coach called the other day to let me know of John's passing and I was so taken aback by such terrible news, but I also soon thought of all the wonderful times I had with JP as a teammate for 4 years and a roommate for 2. When I think of John I immediately find myself with a smile and these memories will last forever. You are all in my prayers. Web
Gary Weber
September 30, 2024 | Colts Neck, NJ | Friend
Patty - I am so sorry for your loss. My ex - Jennifer Raisbeck - notified me of John’s passing. I remember John fondly from our days as transplantation partners in crime - ha. He was a confident guy that I knew was going to survive, make it out of Seattle, and get back home to Chicago to be with his beloved family. His energy and confidence was an inspiration to me - which helped me to get through that grueling transplant process. He made it 28 years post BMT - which is a very good run. ...
Mark Hunter
September 30, 2024 | Lawton, MI
Miss you John. Great Teammate and friend. RIP
Gaspare Calandrino
September 30, 2024 | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | Friend
I was part of Fenwick’s football team with John. He was a great athlete. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers are with John and his family.
John Sloat
September 30, 2024 | Bainbridge Island, WA | Friend
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
From the Staff of Conboy's Westchester Funeral Home
October 01, 2024 | Westchester, IL
We went to Fenwick and the University of Michigan together--where JP took me under his wing when I was a freshman. A true gentleman and caring friend. He will be missed. He is in God's hands right now. Go Blue my friend.
nat rosasco
September 30, 2024 | Elmhurst, IL | Friend
Sorry to hear about John’s passing. As a young man on the Michigan team with John I heard stories about his athleticsm in high school, 100 yd dash, as well as shot put and discus. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless!
Mike Jolly
September 29, 2024 | The Villages, FL | Classmate
