John J. Paul, 89, died on Monday, December 25, 2006, at Vista Medical Center East Hospital in Waukegan.
John was born December 18, 1917, in Zion, IL, the son of James and Ruth (Will) Paul. He grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, graduating from Dubuque High School in 1935, before moving back to Zion. John attended Northwestern University and served in the United States Navy in World War II from 1941-1946, after which he was the Personnel Manager at the Zion Lace Mill, and was ultimately responsible for the liquidation of the lace machines and equipment when the Mill closed. He then became Material Control Manager for Warwick, making TVs for Sears, and ended his working life as Savings Officer at the First Savings and Loan of Zion. John was very involved in the community, helping set up the Recreation Department which became the Zion Park District, of which he was the first treasurer; a position he held for 22 years. He was a Zion Commissioner and spent many years on the Zion Planning Commission. John served on the Zion Elementary School Board and High School Board, was President of the Zion Chamber of Commerce, Zion Exchange Club, and Jubilee Days Committee, and was on the Boards of the Lake County Community Concert Association and Lake County Council, Navy League of the U.S. He married Kathryn Robinson in 1949 and was an avid golfer, bowler , and skier.
John is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and his daughter, Dr. Deborah (Jim Siefken) Paul.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Timothy; brother George; and sister, Ann Lorentson.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church, 2935 Sheridan Rd., Zion. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 p.m Friday until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Memorial United Methodist Church would be appreciated.
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