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John Giannini Obituary

John Leo Giannini, 95, M. Div, M.B.A.; born in Portland, OR; WWII Navy veteran, former Dominican priest, Jungian analyst, author of "Compass of the Soul", diehard Chicago Cubs fan; passed away peacefully at home June 16, 2017. Beloved husband of 20 years to Rita Thomson. Devoted father of Amy Giannini Cabrera, Richard Joseph Giannini, and the late Martin Leo Giannini; step-father of John Scott (Jessica) Thomson. Loving grandfather ("Papa") to Miguel J. and Jonathon D. Cabrera and Abigail, Katherine, and Julia Thomson. Preceded in death by parents Batista Giannini and Agnese Cheli Giannini and sister Adele Giannini. Former spouse and dear friend of Julie Wahl Giannini. Memorial visitation Wednesday June 28, 4pm (mass 6pm), St. Gertrude's Parish, 1420 W. Granville Ave, Chicago, IL 60660. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Jun. 17 to Jun. 18, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Giannini

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Thomas M. Rosenquist

February 9, 2024

Fr. Giannini baptized me in 1963 while a priest at St. Peter Martyr in Pittsburg Calif. My father remembered him as a very kind jovial man when they worked together coaching the CYO basketball program.

Kate Dunn

March 28, 2019

I didn't know John, but I was just looking him up after listening to a wonderful talk he gave recorded on the Jungianthology podcast. What a beautiful light in this world he clearly was. Sending love

January 21, 2019

When I came to defend my doctoral dissertation about personality typology,which was based on John's work and Jung's ground,
John stood up for me when everyone else attacked.
He showed up at my defense and stood up and spoke.
He taught me how to look past the illusion of the physical world and see the soul behind everything.
He taught me about the ubiquity and relevance of the Psyche-Eros myth.
He taught me about the universality of the hero's journey.
He was the master of analogy and relation.
He was more generous than can be told.
I know that he is alive in everything I think about.
Thank you, Rita for your grace and kindness, and your love and care of John.
I loved him too.

Dr. James P. Sullivan
Munster, IN

Mark Kenny

January 4, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Sang-Young Shim

June 30, 2018

John was one of my teachers while I was attending classes at Jung Institute in Chicage long time ago and gave me consultation for my D.Min. dissertaion in 1993. When I met him at his office in downtown Chicago, he treated me with a cup of tea and warm hospitality. Practicing as a Jungian analyst in Seoul, Korea, I still remember him as a wise old man and a model of good teacher.

Sang-Young Shim

June 30, 2018

John has given me his precious hours for consultation while I was writing D.Min. dissertation/ project on Jungian psychology long time ago. He was very kind to me and at that time I felt warm feeling meeting him. As a practicing Jungian analyst in Seoul, Korea, I still have good memories about him. I miss him very much.

carol shumate

June 16, 2018

Many articles in the online journal Personality Type in Depth cite John's work, especially his discussion of America's warrior mentality. See for instance this study of the cultural type of the state of Texas, titled, "So Texas Walks into a Bar ..." http://typeindepth.com/2017/04/texas-walks-bar/.

He has a huge impact that seems more relevant than ever, given the current divided political climate.

Hal Edwards

June 14, 2018

The first and final time I saw John face to face was at a somber gathering of local Jungian friends who came together in Chicago to reflect upon the sudden and tragic deaths of Robert and Margaret Moore. John, a physically weakened and wise old man slumped over in his wheelchair accompanied by his faithful caretaker, briefly shared his poignant insights and wisdom with dignity, depth, and compassion. I returned home and immediately ordered "Compass of the Soul" from Amazon. I wanted to explore deeper into his stored wisdom, and his opus delivered. His decades of clinical practice and thorough research of personality types, and his refined integration of soulful archetypes leaves a legacy that will enhance the evolution of human consciousness. John's body is dead and his living presence remains totally present. We salute you. Hal Edwards

Joseph Dooley

July 17, 2017

The first lecture and workshop I ever attended was led by John. He was insightful, witty, sharp and was passionate about helping us learn the relationship dynamics inherent in both Shakespeare and typology. I'm a PhD student now near dissertation phase, and felt inspired to apply to school because of attending his workshop.

Maggie Shreve

June 26, 2017

John was my Jungian analyst for a period of over eight years when I lived in Chicago and Cincinnati. He was the dearest man I had ever met! He helped me in infinite ways, including being there for me when I experienced my conversion to Christianity. I don't think this conversion would have happened if I hadn't been deep in therapy with John for several years prior. God bless him and his entire family. I know how missed he will be. Rev. Maggie Shreve

Freddie Taborda

June 23, 2017

I would like to thank John who was a beloved teacher. His sincerity, kindness, and passion while communicating his knowledge to his students at the Carl Jung Institute was inspirational. Thank you for words of encouragement and guidance throughout my years of training.

Tracy Minnich

June 23, 2017

John had a deeply significant impact on me in my young adult years. He helped guide me into more of my authentic Self during a verysearching time.

Meeting him was a spirit flower, opening, along my road. He was so nurturing to connect with, be heard by, and learn from.

I deepened and found more of mySelf during time spent with him. He was so kind and generous of spirit.

***

a door to the universe has swung open
welcoming
a very special soul

Home

June 21, 2017

I will always remember singing with John Giannini in the choir at the 10:30 Gym Mass at St. Gertrude. He shared some memorable theological insights with all of us. I remember his strong hug and good sense of humor a well. He will be missed!

Marjorie Skelly

Rosalie Riegle

June 21, 2017

John was a wonderful man and I certainly enjoyed his dream groups. I am sorry I'll be out of town and can't attend his memorial.

Bob McAlpine

June 19, 2017

John always modeled how we should parent one another with love, humility, and courage as he accepted us where we were and patiently guided us to greater understanding. I will hold fondly to my memories of the many enriching conversations he and I had.

Carol Shumate

June 18, 2017

I assign his book, Compass of the Soul, to my classes and the students are always inspired by it. He showed us that deep feeling is as important as deep thinking in creating a life worth living.

Hal Edwards

June 18, 2017

Thank you, dear brother, John. I find myself on page 341 of your opus, Compass of the Soul. Having participated in APT since its conception, first as a board member and then as a facilitator of the MBTI with over 10,000 individuals...and also having worked with Jungian analysts since 1971 in a wide variety of contexts, your life experience and research and influence remains a living legacy. All analysts and type folk read your book receive incredible wisdom and guidance in bridging a vital gap that no longer needs to be present among us who with you discover the archetypal and practical value made clear by your insights.

While your body becomes ashes your spirit remains vividly alive and present and your legacy will continue to enlighten and guide future generations. Well done, good and faithful servant.

May your transcending consciousness beyond time and space enjoy the fruit of your humanity. I join countless others who express our gratitude for your life and legacy.

Hal Edwards

June 18, 2017

On behalf of the Ninth District Cook County American Legion.
Please accept our condolences over the loss of your veteran service member.
Our prayers go with you at this time of grief.

Respectfully,
Reverend Paul Laws
Ninth District American Legion
Adjutant

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Memorial Events
for John Giannini

Jun

28

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

St. Gertrude's Parish

1420 W. Granville Ave, Chicago, IL

Jun

28

Funeral Mass

6:00 p.m.

St. Gertrude's Parish

1420 W. Granville Ave, Chicago, IL

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