Joseph J. "J.J." Mcconoughey

Joseph James McConoughey, 90, of 452 Columbus Ave., Galesburg, died at 5:50 a.m. on Wednesday April 4, 2007 at Heartland Health Care in Galesburg, IL. J.J. was born on October 18, 1916 in Silvis, IL the son of Owen and Genevieve Fry McConoughey. He married Mary K. Neagle on March 10, 1981. Mary survives along with 1 daughter, Judith (Gerry) Salzman of Libertyville, IL; 2 step-sons: Michael Sirois of Galesburg and R.J. (Jessica) Sirois of Chicago, IL; 3 step-daughters: Annie (Charles) Stewart and Sheila (Tom) Barrett of Galesburg, and Susan (Gene) Zolezzi of Downers Grove, IL; 4 brothers: Vincent McConoughey of East Moline, Ray and Don McConoughey of Bettendorf, and Jack McConoughey of Ft. Meyers, FL. J.J. is also survived by 2 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, and 1 step-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents. J.J. graduated from East Moline High School in 1935. He served in the United States Armed Forces during WWII. J.J. was a conductor for Burlington Northern until 1977, retiring after 41 years. He was a member of the Prairie Hub Club, United Transportation Union, a 40 year member of the Dew Dusters, the Moose Lodge #880, a 4th degree member of the Father J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556, and a volunteer driver for the American Red Cross. J.J. was a member of both Corpus Christi Catholic Church and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with the Reverend William Miller I.C. officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 9, 2007 at Watson Funeral Home, with the Rosary prayed at 7 p.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and the Galesburg Railroad Museum.