John A. McCray, a cherished husband, father, godfather, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on April 9, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Born on June 25, 1946, in Clinton, Iowa, John was the son of John Wesley and Frances (O’Connors) McCray.

After graduating from Clinton High School, he enlisted and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. His service was marked by honor and courage, earning him an honorable discharge. Upon returning to civilian life, John found love with Barbara Volesky, and they were united in marriage on October 28, 1972, in Newhall, Iowa. Together, they built a life filled with love and raised two daughters, Christina and Jennifer.

After his military service, he began his career with Bob Johnson Trucking and later worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa. He dedicated 22 years to Golden Sun Feeds in Maquoketa before taking on a role that allowed him to connect with his community as a bus driver for the Regional Transit Authority. After a decade of service, he retired but continued to share his time and skills, working part-time as a shuttle service delivery driver for Brad Deery Motors in Maquoketa until his official retirement in the fall of 2024.

Beyond his professional life, John was a member of the Maquoketa VFW Post #3633 O’Connor-Regenwether, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, and the Friends of the Hurstville Interpretive Center.

John’s love for the outdoors was evident to all who knew him. He found joy in fishing on the river, camping under the stars, hunting, and mushroom hunting. He also enjoyed gardening, and he could often be found meticulously mowing his lawn.

Those left to honor John’s memory include his devoted wife, Barbara McCray of Maquoketa, IA; his daughters, Christina (Tim) Hennings of Bettendorf, IA, and Jennifer (Dave) DeWitt of Maquoketa, IA; his godson, Eric (Tracy) Bormann of Morrison, IL; his grandchildren, Jaden, Cali, and Levi; his step-grandchildren, Joseph Hennings, and Lynsey (Isaac) Kaufman; and his sister, Charlin (Fred) Nolan of Sterling, IL. His life was enriched by the presence of many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers George and Danny Simms, and his sisters Penny Geerts, Dorothy Bormann, and Marie Kirchner.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa, with military honors.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the Hurstville Interpretive Center.

Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.