Obituary of John P. Bouchea
Age 69, of Joliet, IL passed from this life Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet. John was born the second of three son’s to the late Margaret (nee Berry) and George J. Bouchea, Sr. on December 17, 1952 in Savannah, Georgia where he was raised and educated. He was a United States Marine Corp Veteran.
He attended Jenkins High School in Savannah, where he was a talented athlete, playing football and baseball. Jackie, as he was known there, never missed a St. Patrick’s day parade in his youth. His Catholic upbringing was centered around the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Sisters of Mercy of Union in Savannah.
Jack relocated to Illinois and followed the Bouchea lineage serving as a Firemedic at Unoven Refinery for several years before he became a Maintenance Engineer at Harrah’s Casino and then Joliet Township High Schools from where he retired after over 20 years of dedicated service.
He is survived by his stepsons, Bobby (Carla) Brandom of Orland Hills, IL and Tony (Melissa) Remus of Plainfield, IL; son, Nicholas Ryan Bouchea of Atlanta, GA; several grandchildren and a great grandchild. He was known fondly as “Papa Jack”. Also surviving are his brothers, George (late Deborah Montgomery) Bouchea, Jr. of Savannah, and Larry Bouchea of Jackson, MS as well as his nieces, nephews and many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 25 years, Karen Denise Bouchea (2022); his parents, George and Margaret “Peggy” and mother-in-law, Mary Edge.
An outdoorsman, he loved to hunt, fish and camp. Around the holidays, you could find Jack decked out as Santa, enhancing the holiday magic for family and friends. He was also a Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan.
In retirement, Jack and Karen thoroughly enjoyed their times together, whether traveling, cheering on the grandkids or just laughing and enjoying life together as Jack was known for a wonderful sense of humor; perhaps he and Karen are once again bound as one. He dearly missed her.
A Memorial Gathering for Jack Bouchea is being planned for a later date. Information will be forthcoming . As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
