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On June 24, 2023, our beloved husband and father unexpectedly passed into the presence of Jesus, leaving behind an enormous, vacant space. Loved by one and all, John was an extrovert with a wonderful sense of humor and the ability to make friends with just about anybody. Known for his generous nature and the willingness to pitch in and help, he loved his friends and family well with acts of service and quality time.
In periods of his life, John has worked as a cook, a sous chef, a camera man, a technical director and editor for television news. Overnight guests were greeted with amazing breakfasts, magnificent dinners, and witty conversation and stories about what happens inside TV sports. He loved motorcycles, boating, nature, and campfires. The ultimate caretaker, he did all the background work and we just showed up for the fun and fellowship.
Known as “Johnny Mac”, he worked in the sports television world for over 40 years. His credits include multiple Emmy award wins as well as participation in Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe red carpet shows, Super Bowls, NBA and NHL playoffs, Major League Baseball, and Monday Night Football. Despite all the hoopla of the celebrity sports scene, he hated travel and longed to be home with his family. We thank the Lord for his years of early retirement when we got to eat and sleep in the same house with him.
Johnny leaves behind a beloved wife, Debbi, and his precious daughter, Sahara Rae and her husband, Corey Hunhoff and precious son, Tanner McCuin. As a man of great faith and belief in Jesus as his Lord and Savior, we are blessed to know he has now been reunited with his dear mother, Mary McCuin and his sister Patty, as well as a host of aunties, uncles and grandparents.
A true celebration of this beautiful man will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton. The family would love to have you come by to visit prior to the service, beginning at 3:00 PM, and welcomes you to stay afterwards to share stories and food with us in the hospitality center.
Please join us in remembering him by adding your stories and pictures in the guestbook section below.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Drew Hunt
June 21, 2024
Wow, one year later - still miss you, my friend.....
Ann Smith
July 24, 2023
Terribly sad to hear this awful news. John was revered as such a nice person and a fantastic colleague. He always had a smile on his face and a friendly conversation to offer. He spoke so lovingly of his family and couldn´t wait to get back home to them. John will be so missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to all who knew and loved him.
Kristianna Bryant
July 14, 2023
Kind soul, solid performer, a loss for all left behind.
The Lukich Family
July 13, 2023
John was a true blessing of a man and was always considered a part of our family.
He would always put the needs of others before himself and strived to live his life in accordance with the teachings of the gospel.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends.
May his memory be eternal!!
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Phil
July 3, 2023
We had a lot of laughs and were part of a lot of great sports productions over the course of 30 plus years. It was always clear that family was the most important thing in his life. I'm grateful to have known him, but glad to know that he had some quality time with his family before he left us. John will be sorely missed.
Todd Giery
July 2, 2023
I want to send my very deep condolences to John's family. You were always the most important thing to him. He never stopped talking about you and your life adventures.
Johnny Mac....my friend, my mentor and the one who always made me laugh. John was the first person in this business to take me under his wing way back in 2002. When I first starting working with him, I would beg him to let me clip off his load reel on the EVS (back in the days when there was only one EVS per truck). He would always let me do it, but secretly he was happy to let me so he could go smoke a cig and shoot the breeze with the camera guys. To me, it made me feel important. He had a way of making people feel connected. He was always cracking jokes and busting people chops, but it was always fun. He made this business fun for me and a lot of other people. I was always checking in with him on his birthday, but I haven't gotten to see John in several years. This business can do that to people. But sometimes those long friendships are the ties that bind us together. John was one of those friendships. You left us way too soon my friend, but you left your mark on this world.
Paula Orange
July 1, 2023
I was fortunate enough to work six seasons of Monday Night Football with John. Always warm and sincere yet funny, he made the weekly travel enjoyable and tolerable. I can still hear the kind words. You will be missed and you are forever loved. Sending lots of love hugs and prayers to his family! Rest well John.
Herky
July 1, 2023
JohnnyMac had such a great sense of humor. We were always finding new ways to do multiple exposure panoramas. Here´s one of our favs from Jackson Square in New Orleans.
Brother
June 30, 2023
Jim Dove
June 29, 2023
Work relationships are created over time and when you travel with someone every weekend for six months the friendship goes far beyond the casual work acquaintance. No matter the workload or high pressure work environment John always displayed a wonderful smile and laugh. His positive attitude made going to work each day enjoyable.
A few of the great memories outside of work - a New Jersey to New York City bus adventure to attend a Tudeschi Trucks Band concert at the Beacon Theater - with a special guest appearance by Taj Mahal, what a wonderful night. We shared yearly trips to the Super Bowl for ESPN. In 2017 we watched Lady Gaga perform multiple rehearsals of her halftime show from field at the 50 year line. John was a great friend. Like many on our Monday Night Football crew we shared so many meals which lead to personal stories. Most often John´s stories were about his family. He loved and was so proud of his family. I loved John as a brother and am forever grateful for him. Rest in peace my friend as you made the world a better place. Jim Dove
Herky
June 29, 2023
JohnnyMac touched countless lives in a myriad of wonderful ways. Suffice it to say, he was - and still is - universally loved. Consummate professional, steadfast friend, beloved father, devoted husband...just a tiny fraction of the superlatives to describe this sweet man. JMac lives on in our hearts.
Phillip Szczytowski
June 29, 2023
You were the best John. I miss traveling home with you on Tuesdays. We both always looked forward to getting home to our families. You will be missed.
Andy
June 29, 2023
I am so saddened by this devastating news. Johnny was a steady force of excellence when I had the pleasure to work with him on Monday Night Football. His dedication to his craft set a high bar for all of us to emulate, but more importantly his positivity served as a steadying anchor in the sometimes turbulent seas of live television.
I always looked forward to the time we spent together every week huddled over a tape machine on set days under the pretense of quality control of that week´s elements for the show. While we were diligent in our task it was our shared laughs that I looked forward to. I will miss his warm smile and radiant warmth.
Rest in peace Johnny. The world was a better place with you in it.
John Kolano
June 29, 2023
John was a leader on and off the work site. A vibrant spirit you couldn´t help but gravitate towards. He took the time to invest in each person he touched. His smile, his laughter and his personality were all contagious.
Thank you Johnny Mac for your teachings, your care and your attention.
Chip
June 29, 2023
John,
Was was such a positive influence for his entire MNF family. Always going the extra mile to help others and make us all better. His enthusiasm was contagious. We are all better for knowing him. His spirit lives on through all who knew him. God Bless you John.
Bo Gray
June 28, 2023
So sad to hear this news...he was one of the good ones, both at work and away from work. Sincere condolences to family and friends. Godspeed JohnnyMac...you will be missed.
Leslie
June 28, 2023
So very sorry to hear this! Like many others, I worked with Johnny on Monday Night Football. He always brought to kindness & laughs to work. My prayers to all who loved him. May his memory be a blessing.
Aladdin
June 28, 2023
I´m stunned, Johnny was a friend of mine. We worked on Monday Night Football and we always remember to have a good time in the moments. He was a very engaging and helpful person. I send my condolences to his entire family. Your infectious smile will be missed.
Drew Hunt
June 28, 2023
Wow, what a shocker! My heart goes out to Johnny´s family. He was a special friend - RIP, bud....
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