In Memory Of
John Courtney
John Courtney
John M. Courtney, 67, of Olathe, KS passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at home. Visitation will be 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5501 Monticello Road, Shawnee, KS; funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greenville, MS. The family suggests contributions to the Culinary Arts Program at JCCC in memory of John.
John was born July 14, 1942 to Clifton and Lillian Courtney in Metcalfe, MS. After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1961, he earned a Bachelors and Masters in Education from Mississippi Valley State. John served two years in the Army, including a tour in Vietnam, and held the position Commander at the Greenville VFW Post for several years.
He was devoted academician, working at Johnson County Community College for 25 years as a Professor in Hospitality Management. He helped develop the hospitality program at the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort Leavenworth, and was recently a lead instructor of a hospitality program at the United States Penitentiary. Whether teaching in the prison program or on the main campus, John was a favorite instructor because of his commitment to students in and out of the classroom. One of his favorite volunteer activities was to drive the competitive Chef team to national and regional competitions. He mentored students to always seek a higher level of understanding and to never give up. After retiring from JCCC, he was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus.
Away from the classroom, John was a member of the Kansas City Spoilers comprised of spirited golf enthusiasts. John enjoyed sports and was the first to raise the UW Wisconsin flag on Badger football game days. His favorite sports moments were cheering on his daughter, Jill, as she captured four state swimming titles. People who knew him remembered him as someone who lifted their spirits--they knew he cared by his smile, bear hugs, and encouraging words.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton, Sr. and Lillian, and two brothers, Clifton Courtney, Jr. and Marvin Courtney, Sr. Survivors include his wife, Susan Courtney; three daughters, Jill, Allyson, and Tiffany; three grandchildren; three sisters, two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was born July 14, 1942 to Clifton and Lillian Courtney in Metcalfe, MS. After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1961, he earned a Bachelors and Masters in Education from Mississippi Valley State. John served two years in the Army, including a tour in Vietnam, and held the position Commander at the Greenville VFW Post for several years.
He was devoted academician, working at Johnson County Community College for 25 years as a Professor in Hospitality Management. He helped develop the hospitality program at the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort Leavenworth, and was recently a lead instructor of a hospitality program at the United States Penitentiary. Whether teaching in the prison program or on the main campus, John was a favorite instructor because of his commitment to students in and out of the classroom. One of his favorite volunteer activities was to drive the competitive Chef team to national and regional competitions. He mentored students to always seek a higher level of understanding and to never give up. After retiring from JCCC, he was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus.
Away from the classroom, John was a member of the Kansas City Spoilers comprised of spirited golf enthusiasts. John enjoyed sports and was the first to raise the UW Wisconsin flag on Badger football game days. His favorite sports moments were cheering on his daughter, Jill, as she captured four state swimming titles. People who knew him remembered him as someone who lifted their spirits--they knew he cared by his smile, bear hugs, and encouraging words.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton, Sr. and Lillian, and two brothers, Clifton Courtney, Jr. and Marvin Courtney, Sr. Survivors include his wife, Susan Courtney; three daughters, Jill, Allyson, and Tiffany; three grandchildren; three sisters, two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Courtney, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Guestbook
Visits: 4
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors