Jacques Wentworth O’Connor (Jack) of Fairfield Glade, TN, passed away May 31, 2019 after a long

illness. He was born August 20, 1928 in Mt. Vernon, NY to John George and Caroline (Coxe) O’Connor.

He grew up in Manhattan, moving to Chicago in the late 1940s. He married Joan Stephens in 1950 in

Chicago. She preceded him in death in 1994. Jack and Joan had two children, Stephen and Kathryn.

He had many jobs during his working years including over 35 years of service with the Chicago and

Northwestern Railway. During his career, the family lived in Downers Grove, IL; Dixon, IL; Liberty, MO;

and finally Green Bay Wisconsin. Over his working life he also held editorial positions with the Downers

Grove (IL) Reporter as well as Chicago Today newspaper. He also worked for Flying Tiger Airlines in

Chicago, and was a volunteer firefighter. His last job was as the organist for the First Congregational

Church of Crossville.

After retiring from the railroad, he and Joan moved from Green Bay to Crossville, TN in 1988. He

rekindled his love of woodworking and woodcarving at that time. He and Joan enjoyed making and

selling crafts at area craft shows and flea markets in Tennessee.

Although Jack had moved from Wisconsin in 1988, he continued to return to Washington Island, WI each

summer. He began vacationing there in the early 70’s and until his death, would speak of his wishes to

return to the Island.

Upon Joan’s passing in 1994, Jack returned to a long dormant set of piano skills. He purchased a piano

and began taking piano lessons from Shirley Twietmeyer. In 1996 he married Shirley who helped him

rediscover his love of music; they spent much of their time playing duets publicly including

performances at the Cumberland Playhouse. They also enjoyed attending concerts and traveling.

Jack never stopped his quest for learning, and was the person to seek out with questions about WWII.

He was also a passionate baseball fan, and bled Cubbie blue for most of his adult life. One of his

happiest sporting moments was in 2016 when his beloved Cubs won the World Series.

In addition to his wife Shirley, Jack is also survived by his son Stephen (Margie)O’Connor of Washington

Island, WI; and his daughter Kathryn O’Connor of Green Bay, WI. He is also survived by his stepchildren:

Greg (Rita)Twietmeyer of Hampton, VA; Susan (Paul) Macafee of Fairbanks, AK;

William(Barbara)Twietmeyer of Traverse City, MI ; and John Twietmeyer of Fairfield Glade, TN. Jack was

the loving grandfather of 3 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren as well as 6 step grandchildren and

3 step great grandchildren

Services will be held Saturday, June 15 at 11am at the First Congregational Church, Lantana Road &

Dorton Road, Crossville. A memorial service will also be held in Wisconsin, Friday July 5 at 11am at

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Townline Road, Washington Island, WI.

Jack’s family thanks the staffs of both the Wyndridge Health and Rehabilitation Center and Cumberland

Ridge Assisted Living for their loving care during the last few years, with special thanks to the Rev. Dick

Adair for his spiritual guidance and his friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jack’s name may be made to First Congregational Church, Lantana Road,

Crossville, TN 38557; Wyndridge Health and Rehabilitation Center, 456 Wayne Ave, Crossville, TN 38557;

or the Washington Island Music Festival , POB 235, Washington Island, WI 54246.