John L. Jarrell III of Harrisburg
John L. Jarrell III, 68, of Harrisburg, Illinois passed away at 9:03 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30 in Evelyn's House under hospice care in Creve Coeur, Missouri.
John was the son of John Jr. and Betty Ellen (Cook) Jarrell. He was born Sept. 19, 1950 in Harrisburg. He was a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church.
John lived life to the fullest. He never met a stranger. He loved talking to everyone he met; not only talking to them, but lifting them up and often trying to make them laugh. His flair for fun recently centered on wearing funny/colorful socks almost every day.
He had a very generous heart. He loved carrying cinnamon candies in his pocket to share with young and old. He loved music, reading, fishing (or drowning worms, as he called it), and talking about old times. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family.
John was a Class of 1968 graduate of HHS. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Maryland in 1972. He continued his education at Prince George's College, studying business coursework.
After leaving Harrisburg, he lived in the Maryland area to be near his Uncle Clyde and Aunt Etta Cook; and lived in El Paso, Texas, Rio Ranch, New Mexico, Ballwin, Missouri and Makanda, Illinois before returning to Harrisburg.
During his career, he worked in many different managerial positions with different agencies. He was marketing and general manager for PMG/West Texas News Company, Anderson-Austin News Company, Home Design Alternatives (HDA Inc.), and Performance Sales and Marketing.
John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa Ashley (Terry) Grunzinger; brothers Carl (Mary) Jarrell of Marion and Charlie (Adrienne) Jarrell of Charleston; sister Melissa (James) Brinkley of Harrisburg; several nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
John was assisted by many Addus workers for several years. Lana Taborn was with John for a very long time. Also, June Martin was with him for a few years. He was blessed beyond measure by both these ladies, as well as the many others who came into his life. He reconnected with a friend from the past, Mary Rivera. They shared many good times and supported and complimented one another.
A Celebration of Life for John will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Harrisburg. Services will begin at 6 p.m., with visitation from 4 to service time at the church.
The family requests that those who wish to do so wear funny/colorful socks to the church. He would love it!
Memorials may be made to St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Harrisburg Public Library, or JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Envelopes will be available at the church.
Reed Funeral Chapel is in charge of handling arrangements.