John Lee McGavin

John Lee McGavin, age 92, passed away on July 19th, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wives, Deloris M. (Urbanski) and Georgia (DeZeeuw) as well as his sister, Lorraine. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Mark McGavin and Diane and Jeff Frederick; grandchildren: Jacob McGavin, Jessica Donally, Abigail (fiancé, Carter Jones) Donally, Jamie (Justin) Cooley; great grandchildren: Tori, Ava, Lyle, and Walter.

To know John McGavin was to know kindness personified. He lived a life that exemplified love, loyalty, helpfulness, and faith. He was a devout Catholic and a life-long member of St. John Vianney parish. Even as a child, his faith played an important role in his life. As early as the age of nine, he would walk to church to attend mass—even when his parents were unable to go.

John also loved to laugh, and he especially loved a good joke. It will surprise no one who knew John that he was cracking jokes during his last precious hours with his children. John’s love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immeasurable, as was his pride in them. He went out of his way to assist others but had no interest in taking credit for any of his good deeds. He shared his gifts not only with his family, friends, and community, but also with his students. John taught school in the Grand Rapids Public School system for thirty-five years, and he was a longtime member of the third and fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 25th, from 2-5 PM at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home at 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, on July 26th at St. John Vianney at 4101 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI, followed by a burial at Resurrection Cemetery at 4100 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Knights of Columbus. The family asks that you take a bit of John’s spirit into your own lives and remember to laugh often, love deeply, and help others whenever you can.