MCGILLICK, JOHN D. (JAY)

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on October 22, 2022

He joins his Parents, John (Jack) & Jacqualine (Overton) McGillick

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia (Pat) McGillick (Fortel), dearest Sister-in-Law/Brother-in-Law Denise, Thomas Fortel & Colleen (Bill) Hebron. Son, Christopher Hartmann, Daughters, Megan Breuer (Sean Foote) & Tara (Jim) Kragel. Treasured “Pop” to Liam Breuer & Zoey Kragel. Devoted Brother to Janis McGillick (Bruce Bradley). Loved “Unkie” to Tim, Sean (Jenny) & Thomas Murphy Bradley.

Trusted Friend to Frank Matula & Leslie Conway, Dr. Raymond Wicks & Sue.

Our dear Uncle, Great-Uncle, Cousin and friend to many.

Jay was a dedicated High School Educator & Administrator for the Archdiocese of ST. Louis for 45 years and a Vowed Lay Marianist for over 20 years.

At Jay’s request his body has been donated to St. Louis University School of Medicine.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Gerard Majella Parish 1969 Dougherty Ferry Rd ST. Louis, MO 63122 Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers Contributions to the Brothers of Mary & The Society of St. Vincent DePaul.

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John D. “Jay” McGillick passed away on October 22, 2022, in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri after a difficult battle with MDS (Mylodysplastic Syndrome) in recent

years. Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Patty, son Christopher Hartmann, daughters Megan Breuer and Tara Kragel. Grandchildren Liam Breuer and Zoey Kragel, sisters-in-law Colleen Hebron and Denise Fortel, and brother-in law Thomas Fortel.

Jay was born to the late John (Jack) and Jacqueline (Overton) McGillick on February 3, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri. Jay was a devoted big brother to Janis Mcgillick and he loved her family like his own, including her husband Bruce Bradley, Sons Tim and Sean, and Grandson, Thomas Murphy Bradley.

Jay began his enduring passion for Catholic Education at Immaculata in Clayton, Missouri. Jay continued his education at St. Louis University High School and remained a Billiken completing his undergraduate and graduate studies at St. Louis University studying American History. Jay loved relating stories of his college years, especially from his time as a freshman when he skipped many classes playing Pinochle in the student union. Jay’s, father, Jack finally had to intervene and asked Jay what exactly he wanted to do in life …. did he want to drive a bus? Jay said maybe that would be a fun Job! However, after this exchange, Jay decided to buckle down and make better choices.

Jay dedicated his career to education in the St. Louis area, spreading his passion for history to others. He developed strong connections with his students even early in his career, student teaching at Kirkwood Senior High, at his first job at McBride and subsequent positions at Rosary, Rosati Kain, and finally St. Mary’s High School. He was appointed Academic Administrator at Mercy High School in University City and Rosati Kain. After 45 years with the Archdiocese of St. Louis, he retired from his professional teaching to spend more time with his growing family, teaching his Grandson Liam, everything a one-year-old needs to know about Thomas the Train, rails and tunnels. Jay met the love of his life, Patty, through their parents.

Jay was a reluctant bachelor and dragged his feet for some time before finally inviting Patty as his “plus one” to his favorite co-worker, Michelle Klimpel’s wedding. Jay was the talk of the schoolhouse until everyone met Patty, and they all realized they were smitten with each other. There was a vague promise of a 5-year courtship to Megan, Patty’s daughter. But Jay and Patty could not wait and were married on June 6, 1998, at St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church. Their marriage came with the enormous responsibility of caring for a son, two daughters, a sister-in-law, as well as a dog and a cat. Jay welcomed this responsibility with an open heart and became a central part of the family. One of Jay’s hardest lessons to learn was the amount of toilet paper a family of six could consume. He shared this phenomenon with his dad, Jack, who had a crazy sense of humor, and gifted Jay a huge case of TP for his birthday.

Jay was a person of many passions. He would just as easily be up for playing poker or Oh Hell, as watching a production at the Repertory Theater, Stages, Opera Theatre or the Fox. Jay loved sharing gourmet meals, reading any book he could get his hands on, and watching classic cinema. He relished going to the movies with his buddies or frankly, anyone he could entice to join him. He shared these passions with his close friends, including the Vogelweids, Mottins, Frank Matula, Leslie Conway, Ray and Sue Wicks and many more.

As Jay’s activity level declined in recent years, he developed a great interest in coloring. He would while away hours at his desk creating art. We are happy to share some of these design with any who would like to see or possess one of his creations. We have a small sampling of his “Art” in the Northex of the church. Jay was also passionate about his faith. He dedicated his life not just in educating, but also to the evangelization of his catholic convictions. He was a proud Lay Marinist for 20 years at St. Mary’s High School and served the church in many other roles throughout his life. He also was devoted to making a yearly retreat to The White House for the past 52 years with his family and friends. 

Throughout his life, Jay inspired everyone he met. He inspired excellence in his students, loyalty in his friends and loving admiration of his family. His presence has touched us all and his spirit will live on in those who were lucky enough to have crossed his path.