John P. McCormick

On Sunday, August 16, 2026, John Philip McCormick passed away of Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 76. John was born May 7, 1950, in Libertyville, IL, to Jack (John Vincent Jr.) and Adagene (Luce) McCormick. He graduated from Libertyville High School in 1968, and went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, WI, in 1972. He later earned his Master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies from National Louis University. John taught at Highland Middle School in Libertyville for 32 years. Over the years, he shared his passion for woodworking, drafting, photography, computers, and he even created new and innovative classes. He also facilitated the Outdoor Education program and the school yearbook. John loved working with the drama program, designing and building sets and props and teaching students about the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre. His love of creating things from wood carried over into building decks over the summers, making furniture, wood turning, and especially carving. John was a member of the Kublank’s Carving Characters club for many years and was known for his beautiful carvings, especially his Santa Clauses and other figures. John also enjoyed music. Besides listening to a wide variety of genres and having a song snippet for any occasion, John dabbled with a variety of instruments. He played clarinet and saxophone when he was in school, and he loved playing the guitar and singing songs around a campfire. On June 3, 1972, he married Susan Carol Small, and they spent much of the next 54 years trading terrible puns and laughing at the same old jokes. Together they raised two daughters, Jennifer McCormick and Katie (Steve) Bolich. When the kids were growing up, the family often went camping and boating, and they spent time every summer at Ted’s Sandy Beach Resort in Wisconsin, usually accompanied by up to three cats and two beloved Golden Retrievers, Jake and Ernie. Once John retired from teaching, he and Susan traveled all over the country in their RV. On their travels, they picked up all sorts of interesting hobbies, like line dancing, ax carving, and bread making. John was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, his nephew Michael Mitchell, his niece Pamela Mitchell, and his sisters-in-law Sharon (Gil) Mitchell and Janet (Jim) McCormick. He is survived by his wife and daughters, grandson Chase Bolich, brother Jim McCormick, brother-in-law Gil Mitchell, and his nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends. A celebration of John’s life will be held at Lakeland Church in Gurnee on Friday, August 28. There will be reception time starting at 9:30 a.m. and a service at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch at the church. Interment will be at a later date at Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Imerman Angels (imermanangels.org). Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

John P. McCormick

May 7, 1950 - August 16, 2026