Hon. John Thomas Carr 1944 - 2022

The Honorable John Thomas Carr, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, surrounded by his family.

John was born to Kathleen McGrath and Richard Peter Carr on May 19, 1944, in Norfolk, VA, while his father was stationed in the Navy there. He was raised on Chicago’s West Side, with his brothers and sisters the late Richard (Janet), Francis (Ellen), Kathy (the late Ralph) Annunzio, Michael and Mary (Mario) D’Agostino. He attended St. Angela’s School on Massasoit Avenue in the Austin neighborhood, then went on to graduate from Quigley Preparatory Seminary in 1962. He enrolled at Loyola University and graduated in 1966 with a degree in Psychology and went on to attend DePaul University’s College of Law. He worked as a probation officer while he attended classes at night, and received his juris doctor and passed the Illinois bar.

Upon graduation, he joined his Uncle Donald’s law firm, Carr & O’Rourke, and enjoyed a successful lawyering career for more than 30 years. In April of 2007, he was appointed as an Associate Judge in Cook County’s Circuit Court with a courtroom and chambers at the Richard J. Daley Center presiding over cases within the Domestic Relations Division.

John was married to his wife, Nancy, for nearly 55 years. Their 55th wedding anniversary is August 19. He was a dedicated father to Michele, Peter (Dee Dee), Amy (Troy) Anderson, and Megan (Mark Franklin). Proud “Hop-Pop” to Beckett, Cate, Margaret, George, Ava, Nile, Finn, Liam Richard, Liam Jack, and Saoirse. He was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews and a dear friend to countless fortunate others.

John looked forward to his summers relaxing in Twin Lakes, WI, and playing for the “Friars” in a 16-inch softball league – cherishing his time on and off the field with his teammates. He ran marathons, raced in multiple Birkebeiner cross country ski competitions, and loved the outdoors, especially canoeing and camping. He always had a joke ready for telling, and he told them well. He was fascinated with mechanical watches and had a collection of more than 100 that he would switch out and wear on a daily basis. He spent most of his spare time entertaining his grandchildren, volunteering, or helping others in need.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.