John McKay

John Patrick McKay 84, retired History Professor and Author, passed away on Thursday November 24th, 2022 at Clark-Lindsey Village in Urbana, IL. Born on August 27th, 1938 in St Louis, MO, John is survived by his siblings; Robert Woodrow McKay, Barbara Ann McKay Hendrich, sons; John Philip McKay (Christine), Thomas Jeffrey McKay (Linda) and grandchildren; Kayla and Melina McKay. He is predeceased by his parents John and Eleanor (Jeffrey) McKay and his wife JoAnn Ott McKay.

John grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri. He became an Eagle Scout, played basketball and enjoyed the HS debate team while developing a strong academic work ethic that led to a scholarship at Wesleyan University and his BA in 1961. John received a fellowship to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and his MA in 1962 and his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley in 1968.  His PhD dissertation, researched in the archives of Paris with a young family, was revised and published as Pioneers for Profit, winning the Herbert Baxter Adams Prize in 1970. 

John began teaching History at the University of Illinois in 1966. He became a Professor there in 1976 and Professor Emeritus in 1999. He was lead co-author of the widely read A History of Western Societies which spans the history from the ancient world to the modern twentieth century. His research has been supported by multiple Foundations and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He has published other books and well over a hundred articles, book chapters and reviews appearing in numerous publications.  

John attended church regularly with his wife Joann who served as organist in many local churches, often Methodist where he could be seen turning the pages for her as she played the postlude. He also enjoyed participating in the Methodist men’s breakfast group. Summer trips to Europe, especially France were always a favorite activity of John and his wife. He deeply lamented her passing in 2016.

John’s family will receive friends at Visitation to be held on Friday, December 2nd, 2022 from 5-7pm at Sunset Funeral Home 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820. A service will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 at 11am at First United Methodist Church 210 W. Church St. Champaign, IL 61820. John will be interred at Woodlawn Cemetery 1803 N. Coler Ave, Urbana, IL 61801.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimers Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

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