Jon Richard McCarthy

Jon Richard McCarthy passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

Jon was born on December 28th, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa to James and Lorraine McCarthy. He and his twin brother, Joseph, were number 6 and 7 of their family of 10 children. Jon attended both Nash Elementary and Saint John’s Catholic School. Some of his fondest memories were of his time as a Boy Scout, and then as an Eagle Scout, traveling all over America with his troop. He went on to be a 3-letter sportsman at Dowling High School, excelling in wrestling, track, and football. After high school, Jon married Londa Anne Nizzi, and they resided in Ames while Jon attended Iowa State University on a full-ride football scholarship, eventually playing All-American. They were married for 25 years and had 8 children.

After graduating from ISU with his bachelor's in education, Jon became the Industrial Arts teacher at Colfax-Mingo High School. To Jon, this was far more than a job, as he had the sincere heart of a servant-teacher. During his 40-year career in Colfax, he coached track, wrestling, and football, acquiring the title, “Coach”; a name that stuck with him even after retirement. The humblest man you could ever meet, Jon did not seem to know the depth of influence he had in the lives of others. This heritage has guided his family’s values and continues. Throughout his career, he acquired a Master of Education and also worked as the interim building inspector of Colfax. In all his capacities, Jon was a true friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jon became a faithful member of Southtown Baptist Church in 1996, where he was heavily involved in outreach ministries, teaching, and using his carpentry skills. John was a craftsman who desired to use his talents for God. He and his family later settled at First Baptist Church of Urbandale, where he served as the Sunday School Superintendent, Bus Director, Junior Church Teacher, Vocalist, and staff member. Jon was a devoted laborer in anything that needed to be done at the church. If something needed to be done, Jon was there.

Jon loved to share his faith and hope in Jesus Christ. He was always teaching the grandkids Bible stories, character lessons, and singing in his unforgettable, booming voice. You could not ask for a more faithfully affectionate father and “Papa”, always there at a moment's notice for anything his children needed, spending time with grandchildren, and loving them unconditionally. Above all else, his God and family were everything to him. His church family as well, and his faithfulness knew no bounds. He insisted on only putting others first, and serving everyone but himself. No man could leave a greater heritage of Godliness, honor, integrity, and unconditional love than Jon has left for his children and his children’s children.

A loss this great is only felt when such a beautiful person is gone, and Heaven is our greatest comfort as we look toward the day we see him again.

He is survived by his children: Molly Wolfe (Chris); Katy Moffitt (Michael); Matthew McCarthy; Zachary McCarthy (Maria); Mary Ritchie (Jason); Anne Hemsted (Jason); Abby McCarthy; and Benjamin McCarthy (Laura); 37 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 7 brothers and sisters: William (Bill) McCarthy (Linda); Helen Villirillo (Joe); Mary McCarthy; his twin brother, Joseph McCarthy (Bonnie Jean); Kevin McCarthy (Liz); Margaret McCarthy; Christine, and a host of other loving family and friends. Jon was preceded in death by his brother, James McCarthy (Joyce); his sister, Anne Marie; and his parents.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, at Hamilton Southtown Funeral Home in Des Moines, IA. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 3020 E 38th Street, Des Moines, IA 50317. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Des Moines.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for all the individuals who so kindly have reached out with cards, meals, and condolences. We cannot express what a blessing you have all been to us during this time.

Flowers may be sent to Hamiltons Southtown Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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