Col (Ret) John J. "Jack" McManus

Col (Ret) John J. "Jack" McManus

Augusta, Ga. Col McManus, 92, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, July 13, 2016.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Doris, and his cherished daughter, Maureen McAteeMacRae. He is survived by his loving family, daughters Kathy A. Hutchins (Jeremy), Patti M. Williams (Harry), and Peggy M. Daykin (Richard); son T. John McManus; grandchildren Roberta Hutchins, Nicholas Hutchins, Kelly Williams Hixon (Steve), Jordan Williams Lambert (Tommy), Logan Williams Holman (Jeff), Devon Williams, Joshua McAteeMacRae (Jared Fine), Colleen Fietzek, Katie Daykin Capuy (Jed), Ann Daykin Mohammadione (Abe), and Jack Daykin; and nine, loving greatgrandchildren. Jack is also survived by his sister Ann McManus Thorne, brother Michael F. McManus (Mary Jane), and loving nieces and nephews.

Jack was a native of Stamford, CT, but since his retirement from the US Army in 1975, he has joyfully called Augusta home. His thirty year career in the Army began in 1943 in France during World War ll. He served in the European Theater of Operations in both the Artillery and Signal Corp. In 1951, he received a Commission from the Officer Candidate School, Fort Riley, Kansas. He served two tours of duty in Germany: Heidelberg(1952 1954) and Berlin Brigade (1968 1970). He served in Taiwan in the Military Advisory Group, served in Korea, and served in Vietnam with the Signal Advisory Division (1970 to 1971). In his two assignments at Fort Gordon, he activated and commanded the Signal OCS Battalion (1965 thru 1967), and served as Deputy Commandant for Training and Education (1972 to 1975). During his thirty year career, he attended the Signal Officer Advanced Course (Fort Monmouth, New Jersey), The Army Command and General Staff College (Fort Leavenworth, Kansas), and Armed Forces Staff College (Norfolk, Virginia). Jack earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Omaha. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and several other awards and decorations. As a commander in his many assignments, Jack was known as Steely Eyes, firm but always fair.

When Jack retired, he smoothly moved into a life revolving around family and golf. He was an avid golfer and started caddying at age 12 in Stamford, CT. At age 85, he could still shoot his age! Jack's parents immigrated from Ireland and built a wonderful life in the United States, but they never forgot their Irish roots and traditions. One of his favorite things was to listen to Irish music every Sunday! His family adored him, and his positive outlook on life is a gift to all who
knew him. Jack led an honorable life, and though he will be missed, his amazing life will be celebrated.

Our family wants to express our deepest love and gratitude to our father’s caregivers for over four years: Chico Johnson, Sandra Lewis, LaTrenda Jackson and Shondra Johnson. His long journey was filled with love and gentle care. We are also truly thankful to the wonderful VA Visitation Team and St Joseph Hospice.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday July 18, 2016 at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with Father Lou Lindsey, celebrant. Interment will follow at Westover Memorial Park.

A vigil service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday July 17, 2016 at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Home, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, Ga. 30907. (706) 3648484.
The family will receive friends following the vigil until 6:00 pm. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com .