John P. McAvoy Sr., 90 of Taylorville passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in his home, surrounded by his loving children.  He was born on November 6, 1927 in Stonington, the son of John P. and Anna E. (O’Neill) McAvoy.  On June 11, 1951 he married Teresa G. Clark at St. Mary’s Church in Taylorville.  John was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  John was a Navy Veteran, serving during WWII.  In 2013, along with his son, John, he took part in a Land of Lincoln Honor Flight with his fellow veterans.  He retired as a machinist from Caterpillar.   John always kept very active, even in his retirement years.  John and Teresa worked for many years as tour guides for Classic Adventures, and later JD Transit, a job they truly loved.  John spent many hours volunteering for many organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and the VFW.  Throughout the years John has also worked as the Steward for the UAW hall in Decatur, club manager at the VFW, and as the Christian County Tax Assessor.  More than anything, John loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

John is survived by his sons: John McAvoy, Jr. of Chatham and Joe McAvoy of Taylorville; daughter: Jane Sim of Taylorville; 5 grandchildren: Amy Leverenz of Divernon, Lisa Rome of Ballwin, Missouri, Jessica McAvoy, Ashley McAvoy, and Ryan McAvoy all of Chatham; 4 great grandchildren: Aiden Rome of Ballwin, Missouri, Tayler Leverenz, Hannah Leverenz, and Molly Leverenz all of Divernon; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sisters: Sara Sebastian, Bea Young, and Mary Emerson.

A funeral mass for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Fr. Steve Arisman officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass in the church on Friday.  Burial, with military honors, will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.  Memorials may be made to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight or St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of John, or condolences to the family may be left at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com