John S Childs

John S. Childs, age 97, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. He was born on March 9th, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Socrates and Amalia Tshilds. He spent his early childhood raised in the Peloponnese region of Greece before returning to Chicago after the Great Depression. John won top scholastic honors when he graduated from Amundsen High School in 1946. He was a major in the school's R.O.T.C. program.

He served in the United States Army from 1946-1948. He was stationed in Japan and Korea. In Japan, he was the Chief Investigator for the 108th quartermaster graves registration platoon. His group discovered the bodies of many soldiers missed in earlier searches. He also did the same work in Korea.

After serving in the army, he went to North Park University for two years, majoring in science. John was united in marriage on January 18th, 1951 to Alexandra Giohas from Chicago, Illinois. He is survived by his children, John Childs Jr, Christopher (Elaine) Childs, Laura (the late Anthony) Peterson, Philip (Monica) Childs and Elena (Hugo) Sonnenschein. He was loved and cherished by his fifteen grandchildren and his seven great grandchildren. Also survived and loved by his nieces and nephews.

John had a dedicated 47-year career owning a wholesale meat company (Empire Foods) in Chicago. In those years, he expanded the company and his children also worked and participated in the expansion. His company was purchased in 2000. After retirement, John and Alexandra rekindled their memories by traveling more, cooking, having dinner parties and going to the movies. John loved playing golf with his friends and especially spending time with his grandchildren. Alexandra passed away in 2014. He looked forward to all the holidays and family time. Our dad will be greatly missed by all of us. May his memory be eternal.

Visitation at Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Rd, Glenview on Friday, February 27 from 10:30AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00AM. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview or Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago.

Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, (847) 375-0095.