John Ford Throckmorton
October 2, 1941 – January 2024
On Tuesday, January 30th, 2024, John Ford Throckmorton sadly passed away in Ocala, Florida where he and his late wife Martha spent their winters after retirement. He was 82. He was preceded in death by his father, John E. Throckmorton, stepfather Wendell Vangilder, mother, Juanita Vangilder, his step-brother Joe Vangilder and his loving wife Martha. He is survived by four daughters; Pam, (Pete), Wendy (Rex), Amy (Jason), and Jean (Cory), eight grandchildren; Nikki, Andee, Danny, Billy, Katie, Joey, Josh, Emitt, and four great-grandchildren who called him “Papa Great.” In addition, John was blessed with many cousins, nieces and nephews, sister-in-laws and lifelong friends.
John was born October 2, 1941 in Chicago, IL. At an early age he lost his dad to WWII. After living for a time with his aunt and uncle in Lockport, IL, John and his mother moved to Lawrenceville, IL where he remained until he graduated from Lawrenceville High School, in 1959. John received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from DePauw University in 1963 and his MBA from Washington University in St Louis. This past summer he was thrilled to be able to attend his 60th reunion at DePauw and reconnect with cherished friends and Delta Chi fraternity brothers.
John was a dedicated management consultant for AT Kearney for 35 years, where his hard work and expertise made a lasting impact. He took pride in his work and was respected by colleagues and clients alike.
John was a devoted husband to his wife Martha whom he married in 1964. In 1970, they moved to Glen Ellyn, Il, raising their four daughters. They resided there for thirty years.
John was an avid golfer who looked forward to his neighborhood golf outings. He asked every week, “Who’s going to church and brunch with me, and when can you play golf?” He was a WWII enthusiast, loved woodworking, music, playing cards, watching movies, history, trivia, Sudoku, Oreos, and Chicago sports.
He was a devout Christian, finding solace and purpose in serving others through listening, empathizing, and encouraging God’s love. He used this skill not only to help comfort his daughters after the loss of their mother in 2020, but also neighbors and friends who lost loved ones.
John will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He had a warm and inviting spirit, a twinkle in his eye, and was always eager to connect with others. His kindness, generosity, and zest for life will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
Until we meet again, Dad, “Bye for now.”
A visitation for John will be held at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church 10805 Main St, Huntley Il on April 27, 2024, from 10:00A.M to 11:00 A.M. A memorial service will be held at the church immediately following visitation.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Sozo Kids (sozochildren.org), Shepherd of the Prairie Church, or the American Cancer Society.