Jack J. McCluskie

Alton- Jack J. McCluskie, 80, of Alton, formerly of Marion, passed away at 5:40 PM, Saturday, April 13, 2013 at his home.  Jack was born on January 12, 1933 in Marion to Alex “Buster” and Marie (Simmons) McCluskie.  He married Carol J. Geurin on November 26, 1954 at the Second Baptist Church in Marion.  She survives of Alton.  After receiving degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and Edwardsville he began a career in aerospace engineering at McDonnell- Douglas in St. Louis where he worked on the electrical systems for the Gemini space program.  After a short while he was drafted into the United States Army.  Once honorably discharged he resumed his career with McDonnell-Douglas.  He next began working through the Department of Defense with Aviation System Command and Emerson Electric in St. Louis.  He retired working on Department of Defense contracts from Southwest Mobile Systems in West Plains, MO.   Jack was a lifetime member of Cherry Street Baptist Church in Alton.  More recently he was a deacon at Christway Church in Alton and helped minister to nursing homes.   He was a collector of many things and enjoyed travelling all over North America, Europe and Australia.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing at Montauk, hunting quail and camping.  He was a small aircraft pilot and formerly active with the Boy Scouts.  In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and going to the gym.   Survivors include-Wife- Carol McCluskie of Alton; Daughter- Karen Caires and husband David of Glen Carbon; Son- Kent McCluskie and wife Patti of Overland Park, KS; Son- Kraig McCluskie and wife Julie of Abingdon, IL; Nine grandchildren:   Laurie Caires and fiancé Steven Fumarolo of Schaumburg, IL;   Mary Beth Caires and fiancé Thomas Flannery of Collinsville;   Jennifer Caires of Glen Carbon;   Killian McCluskie of Olathe, KS;  Kelsie McCluskie of Overland Park, KS; Ryan Schulz of Galesburg;        Hannah Schulz of Abingdon;      Alexander McCluskie of Abingdon;    Thomas McCluskie of Abingdon; Great Grandchild- Trey Riedel of Overland Park, KS; Brother- Larry McCluskie and wife Jodie of Hannibal, MO; Brother- Mike McCluskie and wife Sandra of Herrin; Many nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and son- Kevin McCluskie.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Christway Church, 1200 Airport Rd/ Alton, IL  62035.  Pastor Steve Rice will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4-8:00 PM, Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Christway Church in Alton.  Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 19, 2013 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, IL.  Friends and family are asked to meet directly at the graveside.  Funeral arrangements were made at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion, IL.  Memorial donations are suggested to Christway Church or BJC Hospice and will be accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home/ 800 N. Market St. / Marion, IL   62959.