John Joseph “Jack” Fanning, born on June 6, 1918 on Chicago’s Southside “Boulevard” at 55th street. Jack Fanning grew up in the shadows of Chicago’s Stockyards attending Visitation grammar school and Mount Carmel High School, where he was captain of the boxing team. In 1939 sensing that war would soon break out, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Following training he was assigned to and served on several islands within the South Pacific. In 1944, he was posted to Marine Corp Aviation in Jacksonville, Florida. While there he met and married Mildred “Bunny” Chester, and began a family that would include six daughters and one son. Following the end of the War, he accepted an invitation to help develop the Counter-Intelligence Corps within the United States Army. Posted to Germany, he assisted in identifying former Nazi members and in developing evidence for the prosecution of war criminals. In recognition of his work, he received numerous medals and commendations including the French Coeur de la Guerre. In 1953 he accepted an assignment to Korea where he served again with distinction until the cessation of hostilities in 1956. He then resigned from the service having risen to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 and returned home to Chicago. Upon his return, he accepted a position as Head of the Teamsters Union, Local 710 Health and Welfare Fund. While there he developed the first reciprocity agreement that would assure union members of benefits recognition at all Teamster Locals thoughout the United States. Later he was proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 399. Known for an outstanding ability with mathematics, a love of sports, and a ferocious appetite for reading. Jack would often astound his friends with his ability to recite facts and figures with uncanny accuracy and speed. He was often called upon for his advice on various business ventures and served as a consultant to labor leaders, businessmen and several casino operators. Above all however, Jack was known as a great friend. Always ready to help someone, and volunteer his service to the community. He was a proud member and past post commander for his VFW post, a member of AMVETS, Elks, Moose and many other organizations within the Chicago community. He is survived by his wife, Mildred “Bunny” Fanning; his daughters Madelyn “Pinky” Crawford, Michele “Mike” Fanning, Madonna “Sandy” Dugar, Mignone “Bootsie” Nevinger, Monique “Nickie” Behr, Martine “Mardi” Fanning and son, John “Shane” Fanning; his grandchildren Megan Barcelona, Marikko Fanning, Daniel Nevinger, Jatan Dugar, Autumn Nevinger, Makenna Fanning-Nicholson, Tess Behr, Auguste Fanning-Nicholson; and great-grandchild, Lonna Barcelona. Visitation Thursday 2 to 9 p.m. Funeral Friday 9 a.m. from the Thornridge Funeral Home, (Janusz Family Funeral Service), 14318 So. LaGrange Rd. (9600W/Rt 45) Orland Park to Sacred Heart Church, Palos Hills, Mass 10 am. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery. 708-460-2300 or 708-841-2300 or WWW.LEGACY.COM.
