John Patrick Sherlock

John Patrick

Sherlock

CHAMPAIGN- John Patrick Sherlock, 84, of Champaign died Sunday, December 19, 2010 at Meadowbrook Health Center in Urbana. 

John was born on March 30, 1926 in Sioux City, Iowa near the family home in Hubbard, Nebraska to John Patrick and Margaret Hartnett Sherlock. Proud to be Irish and a descendent of the original settlers of Nebraska, John "Pat" was a devoted son and older brother to four sisters. He grew up with the love of a large extended family rich in faith, kindness and compassion. He carried these values with him throughout his life.

At Hubbard High School, John was a stand-out baseball player. The day after graduation he left for WWII service on the destroyer USS Stockton, a Silver Star recipient. There he began a boxing career with an undefeated record. In 2009, John was a member of a Central Illinois Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit the WWII monument. The trip was a highlight of his life.

He graduated from Wayne State College in Nebraska in Business Administration. There he played semi-pro baseball and was also Captain of the Nebraska State Boxing Team where he earned his Golden Gloves. He taught business classes and coached at high schools in Norfolk and Newman Grove, Nebraska and in Audubon, Iowa. In 1954, he coached the Newman Grove basketball team to the Nebraska State Championship Tournament. John joined IBM in 1956 in Omaha. He had a successful career as a Sales Executive and Recruiter in Omaha, Chicago and Champaign until his retirement in 1989. 

John relished his retirement. Working at U of I Athletic events, particularly baseball, gave him great joy. He was also able to devote time as a volunteer with several organizations. Close to his heart was his work with St. Vincent de Paul Society through Holy Cross Catholic Church. His work there exemplified his faith and his desire to serve God.

John will be missed and remembered everyday by his family. Children: Debby Meyer of Vancouver, British Columbia; Todd Sherlock of Wheaton, Illinois and Ann and Robert Sherlock-Jones of Chatham, Illinois. Grandchildren: Russell Sherlock of Bartlett, Tennessee; Gabriella Meyer of Goa, India; Jesse Meyer of San Diego, California; Alyssa Pultz of Vancouver, British Columbia and Maggie Sherlock-Jones of Chatham, Illinois. Three sisters: Sallie Swanson of Cary, North Carolina; Dorothy Anderson of Seal Beach, California and Alice Henry of Stone Mountain, Georgia.

John was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Rosemary Shiffrar, and four brothers-in-law.

The Rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m., Monday, December 27, 2010, followed by visitation from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign.

A Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at Holy Cross Church, 405 W. Clark Street, Champaign. Celebrant will be The Rev. Fr. Stephen Willard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Illinois Honor Flight, 712 E. Jefferson, Effingham, IL 62401; and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, c/o Holy Cross Church, 405 W. Clark Street, Champaign, IL 61820.

Condolences may be offered online at www.HeathandVaughn.com.