The story
A private event with his immediate family will be held at a later date.
Memory wall
20 tributes have been left in memory of John LaCourt.
-
From Ed and Della Falkman: John was special. The summer before John and Jeanette were married I stayed at the Bay City house. All of 12 years old and with no local friends I could think of nothing better than to hang out with John and Jeanette in the evenings when they were done work. Rather than treating me like a pest (which I clearly was) John included me in their social activities. Just what they needed during the last month before they got married - a 12 year old chaperon. Looking back on it, in effect John treated me like another younger sibling. I remember spending time at some lake with John and his family. His brother George had built a 14 foot speed boat which had an outboard motor the size of the boat. It was basically a flat piece of wood attached to a huge outboard motor. I loved boats and water so that was a special week end. I remember their wedding with great fondness. The church was so new it almost wasn’t completed by the day of the wedding. I believe it was the first wedding to be held in that cuurch. I thought the wedding was a fairytale story with lots of attendants. The fact that they then lived in a tiny 30’ silver trailer for 4 years is a real testimony to how compatible John and Jeanette were, living in such close quarters so long and thriving. John was all heart. When I was in college I hitchhiked from western Illinois to Farmington to see them. I was impressed with John’s tire stores. We discussed his plans for helping others with his capital. He had all the qualities that made him so special: Bright, curious, always enhancing his knowledge on many subjects, extremely hard working, fun, quick witted, insightful and cheeky. He was forever a pleasure to be with. Informative and yet inquisitive. Both a good listener and a good advisor. Rare. Della and I had a wonderful time in Phoenix during our last trip, much due to John’s enduring charm, warmth and caring. John touched many and will be missed by all those he touched. For Jeanette, Karrie, Tim, Savannah and Ryan I know losing such a wonderful spirit will leave a HUGE hole but John was loved and respected by many and he enriched your lives in many ways. This love and respect will help carry you along forever as you go forward. Ed and Della
-
My memory is a silly one, but one that always stuck with me. It was Tim's graduation night and we were all hanging out together afterward. I wasn't very young, but not a teenager I don't think, and I was always nervous around people at that age. I went to get a drink and Jack was there. He offered to get me a Dr. Pepper, and put cherries in it and poured cherry juice into it, and it was the most amazing idea to me at the time and it tasted wonderful. It was my favorite soda from then on. He was kind, and took the time to talk to me and do something for me, that while it seems tiny, meant a lot to me in the moment. Even when you're young you know when someone is a good person, and that action, however small, exemplified to me the kind of man he was, something I got to see over and over while watching him with his family when I was lucky enough to do so. We will all miss him, and the world is a little darker for his absence.
-
From Tracy Lange: I didn’t have as many opportunities to visit with Jack as I would have liked, but every time we were at a family function or event together I was struck by how charming, funny and caring he was. Observing he and Jeanette together was always a testament to a wonderful marriage, as they clearly loved and supported one another and had a strong relationship together. My heart goes out to Jeanette as she faces a future without her partner and friend that has been part of her life for so long. It was also clear that Jack was a devoted father, grandfather and father-in-law. He had such a close and loving relationship with his entire family, and it always touched my heart. I love my brother Tim, his wife Karen and their kids Savannah and Ryan with every fiber of my being, and I know how devastating this loss is to them and to Jeanette. Jack not only accepted my brother into the family, but also welcomed him with open arms and became a father figure and friend. I know that the times spent at Jack and Jeanette’s house enjoying each other’s company were lively, fun and relaxing for everyone involved, and to feel completely comfortable, accepted and appreciated is such a gift. Jack was also an amazing grandfather who cherished attending every dance recital, softball game, music gig, holiday, ceremony or graduation of his grandchildren. The bond they shared will make his loss so difficult, but the memories and feelings will remain, and the time that was shared was precious. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone who loved Jack and is facing his absence. He lives on in all of our memories and in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you, always. Tracy Lange
-
To put my feelings regarding my dad into words is an overwhelming task. I don’t have the eloquent way with language that the rest of my family possesses and what I try to say or write just seems to short change his essence. With that said, here’s my feeble attempt: Was my dad perfect? No, of course not. He had struggles as everyone does, but the one thing he did do perfectly was make me feel loved. I never doubted for a second either of my parents’ love or devotion to me. Now, as an adult, I realize what a gift that unconditional love has been and still is in my life. With my accomplishments, the good and, more importantly, the not-so-good, he would always spin it to the positive. I knew he always had my back and would do ANYTHING to help me without the usual parental judgment. I will have to come to terms with the fact that I can no longer call him for an ego boost but that is too painful to think about right now. Another quality of his that stands out is his gentleness and sensitivity. I don’t know if everyone realized this about him, but he was a big marshmallow inside. He genuinely cared about people and also about making our world a better place. In his younger years, he was always the life of the party, wanting to make everyone happy and laugh. If there was a group of people, he would be in the center do his best to make sure everyone was having a good time, adults and kids alike. If he thought he could help, he would. He has given away money, furniture, tv’s, a car, etc., but mostly he gave his time, love, and understanding. I learned from him the importance of giving. “When you give freely, you receive so much more in return,” he would say. In his retirement years, he no longer wished to be the life of the party. In fact, he preferred mostly spending quiet time with his family and was a caring and nurturing force in their lives. One of my favorite qualities of my dad and the one for which I am most grateful, is his devotion to my kids, his grandchildren. He and my mom are Savannah and Ryan’s biggest cheerleaders. They could do absolutely no wrong in their eyes. I know, without a doubt, that the unconditional support of their Papa and Nana has helped shape Savannah and Ryan into the young adults they are today. Nothing bothered him more than if he couldn’t ease the pain of one of his family members. One of the coolest traits belonging to my dad was his constant endeavor for learning and keeping informed on current events. He valued education, staying well read, and also “thinking outside the box.” He encouraged Savannah and Ryan to be educated independent thinkers, and lived it as an example. I have relied on him to keep me current on world events. I will miss visiting him with his face in his smartphone reading to me a current “happening” that I should know. I could go on for pages relating the wonderful qualities my dad possessed, but I’ll make this the last one. I cannot think of my dad without acknowledging his love for my mom. On September 1, they will have been married for 59 years and you could still see the love in his eyes and his genuine admiration for her. She was his constant, his rock for the last 59 years. Just two months ago, I walked into his living room and he was alone in his favorite chair crying. Walking into the room, I startled him and asked him what was bothering him and he looked at me with his ever piercing blue eyes and said that he can’t live without her. I comforted him, but I knew he was right. For these reasons and many more, I miss you, Dad. Love, Karrie
-
From Isabelle Tiglio: Tribute to John. How do I even begin to state how important John was in my life. Being the oldest of us four siblings, I always looked up to him as a protector. I always thought John and Jeanette lit up the room when they entered. I really don't remember Jeanette not being part of our family, as her and John were high school sweethearts. One of my best memories was at Silver Valley when I was with John and Jeanette and John carved their initials in a big oak tree. That was when they told me they were getting married. I was so excited that I was finally going to have a sister. I remember crying the night they were married as I realized John would never live in our house any more. I have great memories when Karrie was born and I spent some time with John and Jeanette in helping with the new little girl. I loved that bonding time with all of them. I remember a time when John and Jan came to Bay City and around midnight we decided to invite the whole family to our house for a brunch with an Italian meal. I stayed up all night cooking. I have another memory that shows what as big heart John had. When our dad was drying in the hospital, Mike had spent the whole night with dad and when he went to our car in the parking lot only to have as flat tire. The following week he took our car to his store and put four new tires on it at his expense. I could go on and on, but at the end, I can't believe he is only memories to me now. I love you John. I love Jeanette and was always happy to see the twinkle in Johns eyes when he looked at his Nettie. His family was his life and his love for all of them was his priority in life. Isabelle Tiglio
-
I have so many happy memories of our families being together in Michigan and Arizona. Our families came to know each other because Jan and my mom Barb were on a bowling team in Farmington and Karrie and my brother John were in the daycare center there. When our Dads met they hit it off and the rest is history ! We went snowmobiling and rode our Honda mini bikes together. I babysat Karrie (which was playing together then falling asleep on their couch!). After they moved to Arizona our families kept in touch and later when I moved to that wonderful state with my son Matthew my Michigan family was there to welcome and embrace my son and I. I remember Jack's zest for life, his encouraging words, and most of all his wonderful laugh! I am so grateful our younger son was able to meet Jack in April when we came to visit ASU and the two of them talked sports! Blaine so enjoyed that visit and Jack made a big impression on him -as he did to anyone who met him. I'm sure my Dad and Jack have met on the other side and are once again having laughs and enjoying each other's company as they did for so many years. We miss you Jack -love, Cathy, Matt,Matthew and Blaine
-
-
My husband Bob and I have known Jan & Jack since the early 60's. We considered them to be our best friends. Jack was always a happy go lucky guy who never said a bad word about anyone. If he knew you were upset or feeling down, he saw to it to cheer you up. We had a lot of fun and laughs together and wonderful memories through the years. We would watch the hometown parade together and enjoyed motorcycling and snowmobiling at the cabin in West Branch with our families. Jack was a true friend -he will be missed. Here's to you Jack -until we meet again! Love, Barb Houchins.
-
I will always cherish my memories with Jack. He gave me my first driving experience, sitting on his lap in his Camaro convertible (I don't think Jan was as excited as I was!). Jack also took the time to play catch with me. He would act as my catcher as I threw wild pitch after wild pitch and never complained. Jack let me borrow his orange Corvette for the senior prom and yes it's true that I dropped my date off early to cruise around in the vette! He also gave me a job at his Grand River and Six Mile tire store. I still remember going to an Elvis Presley concert with Jack and my Dad, riding snowmobiles and motorcycles. Jack was a loving, caring man that will truly be missed.
-
From George and Elaine LaCourt: Memories of John. There are so many where do you start? Some of the best ones are from West Branch snowmobiling. Where John and Jeanette opened their cabin up to us like it was our own. One of John's favorite was the old West Branch shower where you sprayed a little deodorant under your arms and you were off. We were up there almost every weekend in the winter. But there are so many more like taking us to sporting events in Detroit in his Nash Metropolitan so he could find a parking space easier. Most of all I'm going to miss our phone calls where I stayed up to date on Karrie and her family who he couldn't say enough about. We miss you very much already. George and Elaine LaCourt
-
From Jodi Fabrizio-Clontz: Uncle John LaCourt The loss of Uncle John has been lying heavy on my heart. He always had a smile on his face. I have some very fond memories of him as a child. He use to tease all of the cousins (nieces and nephews to him) about flushing us down the toilet. When we would visit him, Aunt Jeanette and Karrie in Farmington, MI, he always went out of his way to entertain us and make us feel welcome. The more current memories of him were the advice he would give me on being self employed. When I became a REALTOR, he gave me some advice that I have never forgotten and I have shared it with many of my colleges. It was advice I will never forget and will always think of him fondly. I added him to the newsletter mailing list at my current job. He would text me when he received a newsletter and say sweet things to me. I am going to miss him dearly and really wish I could have lived closer to him. God has received a very special angel and I have lost a very special uncle. May he rest in peace and watch over Aunt Jeanette, Karrie and her family during this difficult time. Jodi Fabrizio-Clontz
-
My husband Ken and I have so many wonderful memories of my Uncle John. Words cannot express the love and admiration we both have for him. My mother Tove is Jeannette sister. My earliest memory of this incredible man was when he would pick up my Aunt Nettie up for a date. I would bombard him at the door and beg that he took his coat off. As a young child my theory was if he took his coat he would stay and play with me. Many years later after I was married whenever I would see Uncle John he would always remind me of “Coat Off” “Coat off.” Many years later when Ken and I were dating Uncle John knew we were both poor college students. And, offered a job painting the trim at his house in Farmington. Looking back at it now, the wage we received was much more generous than the going wage. Especially when you figure in food, housing and taking us to the Michigan State Fair! During our stay with Uncle John and Aunt Nettie I learned how to marinate and grill flank steak. Which is now a family favorite and is requested at all of our birthday functions. We always had wonderful family gatherings which included snow skiing, snowmobiling, waterskiing and riding motorcycles. I vividly remember when my father Larry bought my brother Larry Jr. a mini dirt bike. And, next thing I knew Uncle John had bought Karen an identical mini dirt bike. Karen was about half the size of Larry Jr. and I just remember those two terrorizing the West Branch cabin trails. Uncle John your memories and all the wonderful things you did for all us will not be forgotten. We miss you dearly and know that you are watching us from Heaven. “Coat Off” Love Terri
-
-
I was a predator the first time I met Jack, though I didn’t think of myself that way at the time. That’s the term I use for young males that have an interest in somebody’s daughter. That doesn’t necessarily make them horrible people; having a daughter, I’ve had the chance to meet a couple of these predators, and for the most part they seem like really nice guys. But let’s face it, at the end of the day, their intentions may not align very well with the wishes of the parents. Many moons ago, when I was chasing after his daughter, Jack never made me feel like the enemy. There were probably plenty of times he wanted to read me the riot act, and he should have, because back then I was an idiot more often than not. Instead, he welcomed me into his house and treated me as well as anyone has ever treated me, right from the get-go. As the years went by, I came to realize how fortunate I was to know and spend time with Jack. I’ve been struggling for a few days, trying to figure out how to package up, in words, all the memories from the decades of good times we’ve had with Jack, and all of the wonderful things he has done for me, my family, and others. I finally came to the conclusion that it can’t be done within the framework of a tribute page. So I’m going to try to hit the highlights…hopefully it will do the justice he’s deserved. Jack was supremely kind, gracious, and generous. He would literally give you the shirt off his back or the last dollar to his name. He was a great listener and genuinely cared about what I had to say. Some of my favorite memories are the afternoons when I would sit on the couch in his living room, with him in his “Archie Bunker” chair, and we’d watch a football game and shoot the breeze on a variety of topics. He was intelligent, very well read, and he kept me up to date about what was going on in the world. He always would give people the benefit of the doubt, and found ways to give folks more credit than they were due. (He frequently told people I was the valedictorian of my college class. Yeah, right.) He never missed a SINGLE one of the kids’ events - baseball games, softball games, soccer games, dance recitals, graduations, musical performances, etc. And he was there because he wanted to be there. Outside of his wife and daughter, I don’t think there was anything “Papa” enjoyed more in this world than spending time with his grandkids. And they loved him and respected him unconditionally. He had a fantastic sense of humor, something that I think is underrated in a world where we are constantly bombarded with negativity. We could always count on one or two zingers every time we got together for dinner. The kids and I always got a kick out of the things he said, though I’m not sure that Jeanette always did (“Don’t encourage him!”). Jack was neither vindictive nor judgmental, and I think that really helps to define just how special he was. He accepted you as you were, whether you were up or down or sideways, and always tried to put a positive spin on life’s occasionally troubling events. In my opinion, there are simply not enough people like that in the world today - myself included. Jack was one of the greatest men - maybe the greatest man - I have ever known. His tragic, unexpected passing is heartbreaking. Maybe the best tribute I can pay to him is to spend the rest of my life trying to be more like he was. Rest in peace, my friend. You were loved more than you can imagine. One other note: Regarding mothers, grandmothers, and mother-in-laws, I promise you there’s no better person on earth than Jeanette. She is always there when you need her, regardless of the circumstances. Right now she needs us, so please send your thoughts and prayers her way.
-
From Mary Jane Green: It seems just like yesterday Jack and Jeanette came into my husband’s life as well as mine, but it was in the early 90s that we got together for a company Christmas party at the Glendale Community Center and later found ourselves having breakfast and lunches together and becoming good friends. Jack and my husband Ron shared all the same interests, Jack being so up on current events, sports, etc. When I think about Jack I find myself in a whirlwind of thoughts: Jack and Jeanette driving us to UCLA for a possible heart transplant consideration not once but for several times a year for three or four years - making the trip over the hot desert, the car rental overheated at 117 degrees - the Quartzite police rescuing us - Ron drinking hot coffee, Jack drinking ice water. Jack made those trips possible, planning lunch of fish and chips on the sandy beach with the cool breezes rolling over Ron - memories I will forever cherish because Jack was that someone who gave faith, hope, peace, and comfort to another human being. Jack was such a caring, loving friend that my husband and I felt that he and his wife were the family we never had. His presence at my husband’s funeral, taking over the responsibilities for me, were gratefully accepted. My recent falling on the floor with three fractured vertebra in the middle of the night and calling Jack and Jeanette for help to get to the hospital, they showed their kindness by rushing to my side. And when the door to another world opened and Jack slipped through to be met with his family and friends, I knew my husband and I were truly blessed with a once in a lifetime friendship that many never had, slipping away to another world just a breath or two away. White flowers will always remind me of tears that are shed for someone we truly love as a brother. God truly gave me a gift: him. Mary Jane Green
Keep exploring
See more memorials on the tributes index, or browse cemeteries and burial plots on the interactive map.