John V. McGarry
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It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our father, John V. McGarry. John died peacefully in his sleep on April 19, 2021 at the age of 90.
Born at St. John's Hospital on Feb. 8, 1931 to the proud parents of James and Amanda McGarry, John lived almost his entire life in Oxnard. Graduating from Santa Clara High School in 1948, John attended Ventura J.C. before enlisting in the Air Force.
He met Jean Bellavance while stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, where she also served. John and Jean were married in October of 1954 at Santa Clara Church in Oxnard. After his discharge from the service, John went on to finish college, graduated with a B.A. from Sacramento State and proudly earned a Master's Degree in School Administration from San Fernando Valley State College.
He started teaching in El Rio before moving to the Oxnard School District, where he taught math for 4 years at Haydock Jr. High. He then returned to the Rio School District where he became a Principal at Rio Lindo Elementary and at Rio Del Valle Jr. High School. John spent the last 10 years of his career as Superintendent of the Rio Elementary School District. During this time, he was also an elected board member of the Ventura County Board of Education for five years.
John had a zest for life, always had a smile on his face, and made friends anywhere he went. He was known as an avid bar-b-que'r and enjoyed having friends stop by for cocktails at a moment's notice. Above all else, John was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He led by example and always provided invaluable wisdom and advice. He helped coach little league baseball teams, as well as umpiring on countless occasions, while Jean volunteered as score keeper at games for all three sons. John enjoyed taking the family on several memorable vacations to Lake Shasta and took many trips to New Hampshire with Jean, where she grew up. John's great passion in retirement was watching the Dodgers play on T.V., following them always, win or lose.
John was preceded in death by his wife Jean, older brother James and sister Pat (Cain).
He is survived by his three sons, Vince (Patrice), Steven, David (Patty), several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John had a great number of friends, colleagues, former students, etc. who have kept in contact over the years. It is for this reason, with great concern due to COVID-19, the family has chosen to keep services private. Rest in peace Dad, we love you, we were so lucky to have you for our father.
To sign the family's online guestbook, click on John's name located below "Obituaries" at www.garciamortuaryoxnard.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of GARCIA MORTUARY, 629 South A Street, Oxnard. For further information, please call (805)486-9148.