John William Morrison

John William Morrison of Lake Forest, IL, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025, after a long illness. He was 88.

Born to Helen (West) and Charles Morrison, John grew up in Wilmette, IL, the wily younger brother to his siblings, Charles and Mary. He spoke fondly of going to Cubs games with Mary. John went to New Trier High School and pursued undergraduate studies at Cornell University’s College of Engineering and at Ohio Wesleyan University. Despite being afraid of water, he then served in the Navy as an air controller on the aircraft carrier, the USS Midway.

Upon his return, John attended the Northwestern School of Business Executive MBA Program, setting himself up for a career in sales and marketing that took him from the Chicago Tribune to Libby, McNeill & Libby and beyond. He was especially proud of his time at G.D. Searle & Company, where John was part of the stellar team that marketed new products such as Equal and Dramamine. John then became President of Delicious Cookies and eventually wrapped up his career at Hollister Incorporated, a medical device company. John loved his work and was a relentlessly enthusiastic salesman of everything from fruit cocktail to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cookies to breast pumps.

It was at the Tribune that John met his beloved wife, Therese Schaffer Morrison. They started their family in Kenilworth, IL, before moving to Lake Forest, where they lived for 50 years. John coached soccer and cheered joyfully from the sidelines at track meets, cross country races, baseball, football, and hockey games. He visited his four kids wherever they went and bolstered their hopes and dreams.

John gave generously to his community, especially to the Church of St. Mary, where he sang in the choir, lectored, served as head of the liturgy committee for many years, and contributed to the RCIA program.

John was larger than life, the biggest personality in every room. He was passionate about the Cubs, Bears, Northwestern Wildcats, and all sports. He cherished Friday poker nights with friends. He sang in the morning. He drove with two feet. He insisted on good grammar. He loved chili and Diet Coke as well as a good pun or joke—and he smiled incessantly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and sister. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Terry, and his children, Linda (Doug) Davies, Cynthia (Wayne) Phoel, Mark (Sara), and Jason (Carolina). He was adored by his 11 grandchildren, Max, John, Annabel, Frida, Jack, Colin, Daniel, Henry, Roscoe, Charlie, and Virginia. He was a jovial uncle to Pam (née Catoire) Piarowski and Jim, Sue, and John McReynolds.

John ran with the Lake Forest Running Club for many years and proudly completed four marathons. We’ll be celebrating his spirited life and this last finish line on February 28, 2025, at the Church of St. Mary (175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest). Visitation will begin at 9 am before a 10 am mass.

Flowers may be sent to the Church of St. Mary before the 10 am mass on February 28. Or in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.