John Albert
Gillespie "Jack" "J.J.", age 82 of Chesterton, passed away peacefully
Tuesday, August 9, 2016, in his home. He was born on December 3, 1933, in
Cambridge Ohio, to Frank and Ruth Marie Gillespie. John grew up in Elizabeth
PA, moving to the Chesterton area in 1961.
John honorably
served his country in the United States Marines during the Korean War.
During his service in the Marines he earned the rank of Sergeant and the
Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge. John was a member of the American Legion
Post 170 and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1623. He retired from Midwest
Steel, Portage, with 34 years of service. John enjoyed riding his Full Dress
Harley Davison and his Trike, watching classic western movies, especially
John Wayne movies, gardening, collecting model cars, and bowling. He was an
avid NASCAR and Colts fan. John had a witty sense of humor.
On October 20,
1984, in Chesterton, IN, he married Barbara L. (Choisser) Gillespie, who
preceded him in death on October 24, 2013.
Also preceding him
in death were his parents; his son, John "Ken" Gillespie; his sister,
Dorothy Gillespie; two brothers, Robert and William Gillespie; and his
nephew, Richard Gillespie.
He is survived by
his children, Sharon (Mike) Wozniak of Chesterton, Kristin (David) Cady of
Michigan City, and Annette (Shad) Gillespie Steiger of Bethel, Connecticut;
daughter-in-law, Theresa Gillespie of Chesterton; three step-children,
Kimberly Reed of Portage, Randal Reed of Chesterton, and David Reed of
Altamont, IL; sister-in-law, Julia Gillespie; nephew, David Gillespie, and
niece, Linda Cioch; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two step
great-grandchildren; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and beloved dog,
Shaq.
There will be no
service held. Cremation will take place. Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory,
LaPorte, is caring for the arrangements. Inurnment will take place in Swan
Lake Cemetery, Michigan City.