John Patrick Sherlock, 84, of Champaign died Sunday, December 19, 2010 at Meadowbrook Health Center in Urbana. 
John was born on March 30, 1926 in Sioux City, Iowa near the family home in Hubbard, Nebraska to John Patrick and Margaret Hartnett Sherlock. Proud to be Irish and a descendent of the original settlers of Nebraska, John “Pat” was a devoted son and older brother to four sisters. He grew up with the love of a large extended family rich in faith, kindness and compassion. He carried these values with him throughout his life.
At Hubbard High School, John was a stand-out baseball player. The day after graduation he left for WWII service on the destroyer USS Stockton, a Silver Star recipient. There he began a boxing career with an undefeated record. In 2009, John was a member of a Central Illinois Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit the WWII monument. The trip was a highlight of his life.
He graduated from Wayne State College in Nebraska in Business Administration. There he played semi-pro baseball and was also Captain of the Nebraska State Boxing Team where he earned his Golden Gloves. He taught business classes and coached at high schools in Norfolk and Newman Grove, Nebraska and in Audubon, Iowa. In 1954, he coached the Newman Grove basketball team to the Nebraska State Championship Tournament. John joined IBM in 1956 in Omaha. He had a successful career as a Sales Executive and Recruiter in Omaha, Chicago and Champaign until his retirement in 1989.
John relished his retirement. Working at U of I Athletic events, particularly baseball, gave him great joy. He was also able to devote time as a volunteer with several organizations. Close to his heart was his work with St. Vincent de Paul Society through Holy Cross Catholic Church. His work there exemplified his faith and his desire to serve God.
John will be missed and remembered everyday by his family. Children: Debby Meyer of Vancouver, British Columbia; Todd Sherlock of Wheaton, Illinois and Ann and Robert Sherlock-Jones of Chatham, Illinois. Grandchildren: Russell Sherlock of Bartlett, Tennessee; Gabriella Meyer of Goa, India; Jesse Meyer of San Diego, California; Alyssa Pultz of Vancouver, British Columbia and Maggie Sherlock-Jones of Chatham, Illinois. Three sisters: Sallie Swanson of Cary, North Carolina; Dorothy Anderson of Seal Beach, California and Alice Henry of Stone Mountain, Georgia.
John was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Rosemary Shiffrar, and four brothers-in-law.
The Rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m., Monday, December 27, 2010, followed by visitation from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign.
A Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at Holy Cross Church, 405 W. Clark Street, Champaign. Celebrant will be The Rev. Fr. Stephen Willard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Illinois Honor Flight, 712 E. Jefferson, Effingham, IL 62401; and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, c/o Holy Cross Church, 405 W. Clark Street, Champaign, IL 61820.
Condolences may be offered online at www.HeathandVaughn.com.
Condolences
Dear all,
I had the pleasure of working with John and getting to know him during my time at IBM between 1981 and 1992. When I first met John I was beginning my career as an IBM Systems Engineer in Decatur, IL. I was John’s wet behind the ears technical sales support guy at Illinois Power Company. I stayed in Decatur for the remainder of my time at IBM and became a salesman and manager while John focused on Champaign customers.
It is very difficult for me to put into words what John meant to me, but I will attempt it. He was a coach, a mentor, a teacher, a source of stability in the midst of the chaos that was the ever-changing world of IBM sales, a friend, a gentleman, and most of all an example of what I wanted to be as an IBM employee and as a person. What a tremendous role model he was for me and for the many people that he touched during his life. I am truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to know John Sherlock.
If it were possible for me to meet you all in Champaign for his service I would be there; unfortunately, I have a conflict that I simply cannot overcome. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you and comfort you in this time of sorry and of celebration of the life of a great man.
Best regards,
John Howerter
To the Family
I was sorry to read of John's passing.
May God bless John and all of you.
My name is Terry Graves,my dad, (Jack Graves) was John's first cousin, my grandmother was Kate Graves.
Terry Graves
Dakota Dunes, SD
I had the honor of knowing and working with John while I worked with IBM in
Springfield and Champaign Illinois. John treated everyone as if they were
the most important person in the world. He was a true gentleman.
John was role model not only for those who worked at IBM, but also those
individuals who knew him outside of IBM. People like John are hard to
replace.
I can remember having discussions with John regarding small towns in Iowa
and Nebraska, the variety of issues and activities with IBM, and most of
all regarding the University of Illinois and the Big Ten.
I was truly blessed to say I knew John Sherlock.
My thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family.
Patrick O'Rourke
IBM Executive Briefing Center, Austin TX
I send my deepest sympathy to all family members and friends of my long-ago friend, “Pat” Sherlock.
Somehow, considering Pat’s and my ages, notice of his demise shocked and saddened me. I was a part of his life both in high school and at Wayne State Teachers College. I played baseball both with and against him, and I can tell you this: He Hated To Lose! He, his dad, mother and sisters were close friends of my family while in Emerson. I now live in Fort Collins, Colorado and have for almost fifty years.
I am a year older than my buddy “Pat,” and so am reminded of a poignant line from an anonymous sonnet which I hear and repeat: “Across the fields of yesterday, he sometimes comes to me.”
In closing, please know I would like to see Pat again, but I feel he is in Heaven and I don’t think I will make it???. Who really knows.
Leo V. Gormally
