We are devastated to announce we lost dad a few days before Christmas. Please do not mourn but join us in a celebration of life for him January 4th at Aberdeen Golf Club, 4111 Crescent Rd, Eureka, MO 63025 at 2pm.

In place of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Our Little Haven, to honor Jack’s deep compassion and commitment to supporting vulnerable children in our community.

 John (Jack) Daniel Cregan Jr., age 77, of Ballwin, Missouri passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 10, 1947 to John (Jack) and Marjorie Cregan (nee Meyer). 

 Jack was a man known for his larger-than-life personality, boundless generosity, and deep love for his family. His life was a remarkable journey, filled with unforgettable adventures that took him to nearly every corner of the globe. Jack never met a stranger, and he was never shy about speaking his mind, you always knew where he stood. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. To his family, he was everything. He was their true North.

Beyond his family, Jack’s greatest passions were golf, guns, travel, and food (not necessarily in that order). An exceptional golfer, he was always striving to improve his game, and was eager to help others do the same. While in the military he became an excellent marksman with the M16 and M14, winning numerous shooting competitions across the country. Ironically his best score, 20 /20 from 100 yards standing, he placed 3rd. His career and his love for travel took him across the world, where he delighted in discovering new cuisines and new experiences. A great meal and a fine glass of wine always brought a smile to his face.

While Jack’s life was filled with many accomplishments, both professional and personal, if asked, his proudest achievement was teaching his granddaughters to swim. A true Renaissance man, Jack had a wealth of stories that spoke to his adventurous spirit and zest for life. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him.

 Jack was a devoted husband to Jean, his partner of 56 years, a proud father to John, Jennifer (Blaine) Parada, Michelle (Zachary) Haley; a cherished Pawps to his three grandchildren, Olivia Haley, Sophia Haley, Sydney Haley; Sisters, Patricia Cregan, Carol (William) Baxter; Brother, Dennis (Patti) Cregan; Fur Babies, Lucy and Bella Cregan; and many other family members and friends.

 Our North Star is gone, the words of W.H Auden express the huge loss of his passing best.

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead

Scribbling on the sky the message ‘He is Dead’.

Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,

Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,

My working week and my Sunday rest,

My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;

I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,

Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,

Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;

For nothing now can ever come to any good.