John William Parchem was a good man who loved his family and his friends. He was known for his smile, his sharp wit, his sense of humor, and his love for his wife Margery of 72 years and his large extended family. He was a social man who enjoyed raising a glass with friends, golfing and telling stories. He passed away March 8, 2022, at the age of 93, at home with his wife and loved ones after a long battle with cancer. In his last days he maintained his humor and took time to contact friends and family to say goodbye. He sat next to his wife and sang her love songs and held her hand. He sat in bed with his iPad and iPhone, scrolling Facebook (or should I say trolling) and facetiming with his grandchildren and teasing his great grandchildren.

Jack was survived by his beloved wife Margery, his sister Catherine Pang, his sister-in-law, Joan Brew, his children, Karen (Eric) Corbman, Debby Parchem, John (Barbara Lycett) Parchem, Patricia (Candace) Parchem, Joan (Steve) Joyce, Sue (Hal) Carruthers, David (Jan) Parchem and Janet (Don) Bowen, his 20 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandy (Terry) McCoy and sister Mary Lou Pelfrey.

Family was the center of Jack’s life. He married Margery, the love of his life in 1949 and it was truly a love story. Four years ago, when Margery had a stroke, he stepped up and was her primary caretaker. He teased her, sang to her and pushed her on the seat of his walker through the halls of Hartsfield Village as she waved and smiled to everyone. He was a proud Father and Grandfather and bragged about his children and grandchildren to anyone who would listen. As the father of 9 children, he worked extra routes as a milkman to provide us a home, clothe us and put food on the table. He used his mechanical skills to put together bikes and cars he found in the junk yard. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. He sat down with us every night at dinner, all 11 of us, at a table he built to accommodate us, and we knew never to be late. Alongside my mother he put all his children through college. Raising 9 children could never be easy but he raised his kids during times of social change and rebellion. He faced social changes going on in the country through his children, grandchildren and great children and even though we lovingly called him “Archie”, in every instance the love for his children rose above all else and he accepted and supported our choices.

Jack thrived in social settings. He was a member of Lansing Country Club, Briar Ridge Social Club and Cross Creek golf community in Ft Myers FL. He loved sports, passing on his love for the Chicago Bears, White Sox and Blackhawks to his children. A priceless moment in his life was catching a ball at the first game of the 2005 World Series and watching the Sox win in his lifetime.

Jack faced cancer with strength and humor. We are grateful to Amanda and Shawnel, who made his last days of life easier and cared for him with dignity and respect. We appreciate the tender care of JD, the hospice nurse who loved Jack’s humor and prescribed a daily Manhattan. These wonderful people helped Jack go with grace and without pain.

Family will be holding a private service later. Jack did not want to have a service, instead he wanted everyone to raise a glass in celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area or to a public school of your choice to support public education.