John Defauw. John was born in a suburb of London, England where his parents resided temporarily. He grew up in Brussels, Belgium. His parents Desire and Jeanne Defauw were born in Gand in the Flanders region of Belgium. John’s father, Desire was a violinist, and for several years conducted the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His mother Jeanne was also a well known concert pianist and composer. John arrived in America in the late 1940’s. He lived in Boston, then moved to Chicago. He worked as architect and musician. He played clarinet, bass saxophone and rhythm guitar (his favorite). Freddie Green was his idol. John played with many famous musicians and did many Jazz festivals. In 1966 John started Jazz at Noon at the Boat Sari-S with many famous and not so famous musicians coming in to play. Then on to Andy’s Jazz Club at 111 E. Hubbard St. with Jazz at Noon and Jazz at Five. John and his wife Vi, nee Telack, were married 18 years ago; his daughters Linda (Greg) Satero of Tucson, AZ, Tammy (Scott) Wilson of Carmel, IN and a son Johnnie (Laurie) Defauw of Portage, IN; sister-in-law Evelyn Basile and the late Goldie Bergan; many grand and great-grandchildren. John Defauw was a gentleman, soft spoken and a quiet man.
