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BORN
1943
DIED
2024
John Collins Obituary
03/10/1943 - 11/11/2024
John "Jack" Walter Collins II died on November 11, 2024, at the age of 81, after a courageous seven-year journey with mantle cell lymphoma.
Born on March 10, 1943, in Atchison, Kansas, to Elizabeth "Betty" J. Proctor and John "Jack" W. Collins, Jack grew up in Chicago, IL. He graduated from Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary and earned a master's degree in theology from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. However, his involvement in the social movements of the late 1960s and disagreements with the Church's conservative stance on social issues led him on a different path.
Jack parlayed his writing talent into a successful career in advertising at BBDO in Minneapolis, MN, and McCann Erickson in Houston, TX. And he directed his commitment to social justice toward nonprofit service. In the early 1970s, he worked on the Minneapolis Model City Program. Later, he served on the boards of the Career and Recovery Resources, Inc., and the Houston Food Bank. For the latter, he organized the Houston Media Classic golf tournament benefit for over a decade.
But most important for Jack was family and community. In 1969, Jack married his childhood classmate, Susan "Sue" Beverlee Gaidzik. For over 55 years of marriage, Jack was a devoted husband, father, uncle, and cousin. With deep compassion and strength, he long played a pivotal role in supporting his extended family and friends through the tragic early deaths of his sister, Joy, and brother, Jess. This was a lifelong trait. Whenever family, friends, or neighbors needed Jack, he was there to help, without question or judgment.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; daughters, Susan and Jennifer; granddaughter, Amelia; niece, Laura; and great-nephews, Preston and Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Jack Collins, his brother Jess, and his sister Joy.
A memorial service will be held in Chicago at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, where Jack received his cutting-edge and life-enhancing care, or to the nonprofit organizations that Jack championed, the Houston Food Bank and Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. The family invites you to leave messages on Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Collins
5 Entries
David Crawley
December 10, 2024
I remember John from days at McCann. Us young guys would approach him with a sense of urgency to get his insight to hurriedly run off to solve a problem or achieve an opportunity. He would quietly listen (maybe do a soft ummmmm) and almost always say, "well, let me think about that..." Then he would tell us his thoughts... or wait a minute, or 5 minutes or later in the day. I was always amazed at how he would take a moment to contemplate, no matter the urgency, before prudently sharing his decision. As my career progressed through the years... I would often remember and model my responses to others based on how John would have first approached the situation.
Joan Boyce
November 20, 2024
Sue and family,
So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Now he and Dan can catch up. Dan always admired Jack and appreciated the times he visited him in Milwaukee.
Please take care of yourself and your family. Please know you will be in my prayers. Joan Boyce (Mrs. Daniel)
Marypat Logsdon
November 19, 2024
I have been incredibly blessed ...being a part of Jackie's life for the last 75 plus years ... thru growing up on the Farm, Thanksgivings at 908 State, family reunions, wonderful weddings & births ...giving us all strength thru terrible family tragedies ... we have enjoyed sharing our lives with you Cuz...your many sermons & long jokes will stay with us forever.......you have continued to show your infamous courage & tenacity .....thru your medical struggles to live a long & wonderful life. We miss you Cuz... but know you are wrapped in the arms of loved ones ...rest in peace. MP
Robert F Boksa
November 16, 2024
Rest in peace, Jack.
Bob Boksa
Elizabeth GORDON Polenzani
November 15, 2024
Sue, this message is from Liz Gordon Polenzani, a classmate from Nazareth and Mundelein. So sorry to hear about the death of your husband. May all the great memories help to overcome the sadness. Blessings and Prayers as you continue on this new stage of your life.
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