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John Dively Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Dively
Bob Jones
December 7, 2019
A Community Man, a Man of Honor, a Man of his word, a Man that shared Love with all.
Debra Mizener Beckrich
January 1, 2012
To the Dively family,
I am very sad to hear the news about Mr. Dively. Your family will always be a big part of my childhood memories. We had great times with all of you and with your Dad. He always had a smile on his face and something nice to say to everyone. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
January 1, 2012
Hello Joyce....when I think of John, I remember the birthday cake some of his school friends had me prepare for him with the "weight" imbedded in a ":sheet size " piece of rubber. When approached, I told him I knew who "baked and decorated" it...but wouldn't tell him I was responsible! I don't know to this day if he ever found out.....Joyce, John was a "wonderful person"...and so are you. I so remember your parents. also. Lots of wonderfull memories of all of you. Martha L. McMahon, Sun City, AZ.
December 25, 2011
Joyce and family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with and your family.
It was because of John, we became educators for over forty years.
Frank and Donna Cooper (St. Petersburg, Fl.)
December 23, 2011
Joyce and family I know you don't remember me but Mr dively (as I called him) was my sophmore teacher at Altamont Illinois He taught history I remember him as a wonderful teacher Also that was before you all were married.I remember when you was working at the bank there in Altamont.
God bless your family remember the blessing of having him in your life I am sure they are many I know they will be to this lady .
Barbara( Rickett ) Moran Toledo Illinois
Norma Sellett
December 19, 2011
Joyce and family,
I am sorry about the loss of your husband and father. I am sure your family and your memories will carry you through.
December 19, 2011
May the God of all comfort be with your family. May all the loving memories stay close to your heart. Psalms 46:1
Joanna
Cindy Price ( Oakley)
December 19, 2011
Joyce and family, Mr Dively was a great man. He ment so much to all of his students. He didn't have to say anything his smile said it all! So sorry for your loss. Joyce I know if it wasn't for the two of u a lot of kids would not of made it through school. Will keep u all in my prayers! Just hold on to the good memories!
Marsha Klimes
December 18, 2011
Joyce and Family,
I was so sad to learn of John's passing. My 11 years of teaching at Charleston Junior HIgh were the best of my career because of him. His influence followed me to Minnesota. I will miss him.
Kristen and Dave Ballsrud
December 18, 2011
Mrs. Dively,John,Joe,Laura and Amy,
What a wonderful,friendly, warm man he was! He always had a huge smile and greeting to each that made everyone feel significant! Thus his successful career in administration! He was a major fixture in our community and a positive role model to all who knew him! Our hearts are with you.
Pete and Anne Love
December 18, 2011
Joyce and the whole Divley family. John was a wonderful person so sorry we are out of town and could not be at the visitation
December 17, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. What a wonderful inspiration John was to all that knew him, and for those students fortunate to have attended Charleston Jr High he will forever impact our lives. May God bless all of you.
Matt & Betsy (Switzer) Yarcho
December 16, 2011
Joyce and family,
We were so sad to hear about John's death,unfortunately we are in Hawaii and will be unable to attend the visitation or funeral.
The Dives was my mentor and friend and I will miss him greatly.
Jan and my thought and prayers go to you and the entire Dively clan.
Jim and Jan Louthan
Kathleen Clark
December 16, 2011
Dear Dively family!! You are in our thoughts and prayers! We love your family and your Dad/husband was an amazing man who had a great impact on so, so many people!
Love,
Kathy, Kevin, Kristen, Bryan and Jill Clark
EIU Graduate School
December 16, 2011
EIU's graduate community sends heartfelt condolences to the entire Dively family.
Andrea Washington
December 16, 2011
The Dively Family,
Our heart reaches out to you at this time. We are blessed to have known Mr. (John) Dively and know what a wonderful husband, father and friend he was to so many people. His welcoming ways and kindess will never be forgotten. Sending love and hugs to all of you - Andrea and Chris Washington
Judy & Bob Jones
December 16, 2011
Joyce and Family:
Our hearts go out to you at this time of great loss. John was special for his family and Charleston but also for everyone that knew him.
No doubt his love for family, children and his community is reflected in his many, many accomplishments. He was our friend and a friend to Coles County as well.
Attitude. He made life wonderful, fun and personal. May God be with you all and you are in our prayers.
I have been out of state until last night and Judy and I are leaving in a few again and will not be able to be with you but our thoughts and concerns and prayers most certainly are. John was and is just great.
December 15, 2011
My dear friend...He was my fifth grade teacher at Altamont. I remember one of his favorite stories; He met this gorgeous speech path. She was in trouble and was called to the office by an angry father.(Remember Altamont is an old German farm community) "I Gott, she sess my boy don't talk gut." That was Joyce. Well, this man always knew me, even after I became a young widowed teacher. He kept finding wavers to help put me through EIU classes. He always insisted I send a copy of my degrees. He was on the podium when I received my Spec. in Ed. and met me with a hug. The last degree I sent him was the Ph.D. He was always proud and I introduced him as the man who put me through school-all the way. I love you so much, Mr. Dively. You were a great man and touched thousands of lives. Dr.
Janet Weaver Hines McAlister Clark
Thomas & Cindy Dudley
December 15, 2011
John will be sadly missed in the Community of Charleston. . I remember Mr. Diviley best as a great Principle of the Jr.High he was also fair in what every the problem might of been. To the Family my prayers are with you.
Carol & Don Swango
December 15, 2011
It is with heartfelt sadness that we have to say goodbye to John. As we grew up together in Charleston you and John became family to us and we treasure the good times and memories of all those years. All of the tributes you have received attest to the wonderful man that was John. Knowing he had so many friends is a great tribute to him. We will not be able to attend the services but you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Goodbye John--hope to see you later!!
Kandi Cassiday
December 15, 2011
Joyce and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know around the holiday it is very difficult. I started with John in Junior High and when I got to high school and I met Joyce, she changed my life. I would not be half the person I am without her care and guidance at that time in my life. Now that I have a son and I tell Joyce all the time, I am so thankful that she came into my life. I am so sorry for you and your family in this difficult time, but you should be so proud on the impact John and yourself have had on so many children's lives. You are truly amazing and loved.
Betty Simon
December 15, 2011
To Joyce and family: I want to add a big "Amen" to the article written to honor John and recognize his many contributions to education and the community.
My memories of my years teaching at the Charleston Middle School while John was principal are good ones. He was always supportive of my efforts and encouraging creative ways of reaching students at that age. I really appreciated him then and now.
December 15, 2011
John,Joe and Joyce. Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mr. Dively.He certainly was a great role model for his students. My prayers are with all of you.
Tom Brooks
Don and Jan Smitley
December 14, 2011
Our sincerest sympathies to Joyce and the Dively family. The article on the front page of the local newspaper was a perfect description of John as leaving " a legacy of caring." We feel certain that thousands of students and teachers were indebted to him as a helper, leader, mentor, and superior school principal. We are sure that you will miss John so very much, but take comfort in knowing that he touched the lives of innumerable children and adults in some many positive ways.
Joseph & Adrienne Paladino
December 14, 2011
Our sincere and deepest sympathies to the Dively family. Joyce, we love you and very sorry we'll be unable to attend the visitation. All our love to you and our prayers are with you!
Jill Rogers
December 14, 2011
Mr Dively was a wonderful Principal and friend. He was always there to help, but not "in your face" when you wanted freedom. He helped us all in a graceful, thoughtful way during the difficult middle school years. He will be missed.
Jamie Austin
December 14, 2011
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Mr. Dively was a great principal and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Brenda Cassiday [Garza]
December 14, 2011
am sorry to hear about John's passing may he rest in peace.He was a good man i had him as principal and have know Joyce for many many years. My daughter Kandi Cassiday owes a lot to the dively family.You will be remembered in my prayers
Amy Love-Nowocin
December 14, 2011
Amy and the whole Divley family I was so sorry to hear of your Dads passing he was a great person and will be missed by everyone he touched ovef the years
Ed McClane
December 14, 2011
To Joyce, John, Joe, Laura, Amy and Families.
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful man with a "larger than life" personality. He will be greatly missed but leaves behind amazing memories for the family and the Charleston Community.
In Sympathy,
Ed McClane
Steven Childress
December 13, 2011
Dear Joyce and family:
John was one of the most respectable men I have ever known!
Our Lord certainly got one hell of an early birthday present!
December 13, 2011
Dear Joyce and Family,
We were so sorry to read of John's death. What a great person he was and will surely be missed.
We are in CA. for the winter but will keep you and your family in our prayers as you experience this loss.
Sincerely,
Bud and Mary White
Donald Grewell
December 13, 2011
So sorry to hear about John; he mentored me during my EIASE administration days. He was one of the finest men I knew. He leaves behind a wonderful and loving family. Charleston will miss his presence.
God Bless to all the family,
Don and Jan Grewell
Sally Taber
December 13, 2011
Joyce, John, Joe, Laura, Amy and families. I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of when I was a kid and we got to go to "the farm" and spend time with the Divelys. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sally Taber & Family
Dan Niles
December 13, 2011
What a great loss for not only the Mr. Dively's family but also for the city of Charleston, The Charleston School distric, And the people of Chaleston.
I always liked Mr. Dively and had great respect for him. I will remember him all of my life.
Larry & Sharon Harpster
December 13, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
rebecca millage
December 13, 2011
he was a really great person if you need someone to talk to he was there if you need him he was a great guy and so is his wife
Kathryn Fitzpatrick
December 13, 2011
Joyce and Family I would like say I am so sorry for your loss and I well pray for your family. Just remember God is there for you in your time of sympathy. ( Kathryn Covalt Fitzpatrick).....
John Barger
December 13, 2011
John, Joe and Family: I was sorry to read of your dad's passing. What I remember about him was his voice and his big smile. You have my sympathy.
Dixie Royer
December 13, 2011
Joyce and Family I am sorry for the lose of Mr. Dively. My late husband was a teacher at Jefferson when Mr. Dively was their. He was a great man. My prayers are with all the family.
December 13, 2011
John was a student teacher of mine back in 1953-54. He was a good man and always had the students' needs and learning as his best interest. I am 75 now and this hurts me because I not only new John
but his wife Joyce, although she does not remember me. John will be dearly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. A very
fine and wonderful man.
Daniel J. James
Class of Eastern State High School, 1954
Cindy (Watson)-Amstutz
December 13, 2011
Mr. Dively was one of the kindest men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I have many fond memories of him in my junior high years and of Mrs. Dively in my high school years. You both were a huge part of alot of kids lives. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Larry Cox
December 13, 2011
What a very special guy, John was! He was my principal at Jefferson and later my friend and golf league partner. If you were going to be with John you knew you were going to have FUN! Aren't we lucky to have known him!!! Our prayers are with Joyce and the family.
Tony & Cindy Williams
December 13, 2011
Joyce and Family you are in our thoughts and Prayers.You were both very inspirational to us both,something we will never forget Sending our Love
cheryl delong
December 13, 2011
Thinking of the whole Dively Family and hoping your great memories will comfort you.
Cheryl DeLong
December 13, 2011
Max and I are deeply sorry for this time of sorrow for your family. I remember many very good times camping with your family and the fun we had. John was truly special. Max and Joy Winkler
Yvonne Slifer
December 13, 2011
Joyce and family,
We never get so far away we forget our former friends. We send our condolences. Our families go back a long time with our church attendance and the bank connections when your Dad advised Dale and your Mother was active in the CWF and I was a very young member. We will keep you and yours in our prayers. Yvonne and Dale Slifer, Warrensburg, Missouri
Peggy Elliott (Davis)
December 13, 2011
Mr Dively was my princpal for my Jr High yrs back in the 60s..Got to know him all to well..Sorry for your loss.My prayers go out to the Family....God Bless
kelly armstrong
December 13, 2011
my thoughs and prayers for the whole family he was great guy to known he was nice to me when i am in school and out of school he was favortive principal of all times. kelly armstrong
Kathy Shonk-Washburn
December 13, 2011
To John's Family,
Thoughts & Prayers are with you today & the days to follow. John was a wonderful, fun loving, caring, compassionate & inspirational person that will be missed. Thank You John - Rest in Peace. Much Love to the Family.
Erin Whitley
December 13, 2011
Amy and the entire Dively Family:
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I have many fond memories of your dad...always sharing a joke, words of encouragement, or guidance. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Verlon Myers
December 13, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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