John Michael Lillis

John Michael Lillis, age 53, died at home August 18, 2018. Born July 12, 1965 in Kansas City, Missouri to parents T. Michael and Janet Tucker Lillis. Graduated from St. Elizabeth Grade School in1980, Rockhurst High School in1984 and received BA degree from UMKC. Employed at Executive Marketing for over 20 years.John was immensely fun to be around, knew no strangers and often was described as the glue that held his school classmates together through the years. Coming from a close-knit Irish Catholic family he treasured family gatherings including Sunday meals where all were welcome. A strong believer in "showing up," John generously shared his time and energy with others. Coached boys and girls basketball for over 29 years at St. Elizabeth and St. Thomas More grade schools. A true blue Hawklet, John carried on the 60-year-long Lillis tradition of timekeeping at Rockhurst High School athletic events. John cofounded Project 5 for ALS in honor of a classmate, Rob Willson, working tirelessly to raise money and awareness of the disease. He was a dedicated member of the Padraig Pearse Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and relished his job as the official Starter for Kansas Citys St. Patricks Day Parade. John donated blood regularly (he made the 5 Gallon Club) at the Kansas City Community Blood Bank and, in death, was an organ donor. He put his community-building skills to work as a 9th Ward Committeeman for the Jackson County Democratic Party. He was a huge Kansas City fan and a great ambassador for his home area Waldo. John always sought to do the right thing by living the spirit of St. Ignatius, "men for others". His gentle, kind soul will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and his best friend, brother, Tim Lillis. He is survived by his sisters, Carol, Sheila and Cathleen (Katie) Lillis, his girlfriend, Charlotte Fide, extended family members, numerous friends and his cherished pets Cici and Sully. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 22 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church (2 East 75th Street, Kansas City, Missouri) from 5:30 to 8:30p.m., with the Rosary at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 23 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church; interment will be at Mount St. Marys Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the John M. Lillis Scholarship fund in care of Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114.

Rosary St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

2 E 75th StreetKansas City, Missouri 64114
Directions Visitation St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

2 E 75th StreetKansas City, Missouri 64114
Directions Mass of Christian Burial St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Thursday, August 23, 2018

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

2 E 75th StreetKansas City, Missouri 64114
Directions Interment Mount St. Mary's Cemetery

Thursday, August 23, 2018

11:30 AM

2201 Cleveland AvenueKansas City, MO
Directions