Jack Greenwood

Herrin- Jack Greenwood, 87, of Herrin, passed away peacefully at 3:25 PM, Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Heartland Regional Hospital in Marion. Jack was born on March 31, 1923 in Christopher to Jack & Grace (Pegram) Greenwood. He was raised in Mulkeytown (the hub of the universe), and his favorite saying was; Once you drink from the Big Muddy River, youll always come back. He married Judy Prather on July 31, 1957 in Hernando, MS. Jack Greenwood was a true patriot and proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II. He set the record for rope climbing at the Great Lakes Naval Station in 1954 where over 50, 000 servicemen were stationed. He was a coal miner for 37 years, having worked at Valier Coal Company, Old Ben #14 and Old Ben #21. He retired in April of 1985. He was a hard worker and an avid gardener. He was noted for his beautiful garden and freely shared the bounty with family and friends. He was a dyed in the wool REPUBLICAN. Jack was an adoring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and very proud of his entire family. He loved bragging about them to anyone who would listen. He had a unique way of telling a comical story with his blue eyes twinkling. His sharp wit and good will towards his fellow man were obvious to all, ever ready to laugh at the slightest thing-even himself. He was generous to a fault, and had a kindness and gentleness belied by an outwardly tough exterior. He was quite a remarkable man. Father and grandpa will be deeply missed and his memory cherished always. His family is comforted by his passing knowing he is with Jesus. The family wants to express their appreciation to his physician Dr. Lipoff and all staff for their kindness and exceptional professional care. Survivors: Wife- Judy Greenwood of Herrin Son- Jack Greenwood, Jr. and wife Carla of Las Vegas, NV Daughter- Cynthia Lynn and husband Tom Kern of Harvel Daughter- Suzan Grace and husband Jason (JK) Olkoski of Herrin Seven grandchildren: Jack Greenwood III and wife Lauren of St. Peters, MO Jerry Greenwood and wife Kendra of Highland Jennifer Lynn and husband Tim Curran of Collinsville Caleb Joseph Kern and Michael Thomas Kern of Harvel, IL Sara Grace Olkoski and Kayla Ann Olkoski of Herrin Three Great grandchildren: Allison Paige Greenwood of St. Peters, MO Timothy Paul Curran II of Collinsville Holly Renee Greenwood of St. Peters, MO Treasured sister- Juanita Swisher of Marion Many loved nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers- Robert and James Greenwood and one sister- Cecile Steckenrider. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 22, 2011 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Nephew Bart Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at Oddfellows Cemetery in DuQuoin. Military rites will be performed at graveside. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM, Friday, January 21, 2011 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. It was Jacks request that memorials be made to the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St./ Herrin, IL 62948.