John Charles Metcalf, 77, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 6:02 am July 25, 2026 at Deaconess Crossroads Hospital in Mount Vernon. He was born April 17, 1949 in Portland, Oregon to the late Charles Milton and Delois Louise (Tandy) Metcalf. John married Sharon Lee (Smith) Metcalf on September 6, 1974 in Urbana, Illinois and she survives.
In addition to his beloved wife, John is survived by his brother, Donald Metcalf; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael Metcalf and Mark Metcalf.
John was an Air Force brat, living in Oregon, Colorado, Japan, and Scott AFB, Illinois. He went to EIU in 1967 on a debate scholarship, where he met his future wife.
John spent decades of his life developing and expanding programs to enrich the lives of those with developmental disabilities. He started with Adults with Disabilities in Charleston and ended up at Jefferson County Comp Services, working as the program director in the Rehab Division and Interum Executive Director for the entire JCCS division. John retired after 25 years of dedicated service.
After retirement, he found a new passion for transporting rescued dogs. He was a calm, compassionate driver, and handler.
Throughout his life, John was a gifted musician. He was a guitarist and soloist in coffee houses, or a master guitar/singer in a variety of bands. He enjoyed playing everything from jazz to swing to western to rock.
John was a beloved husband, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, friend and transporter. He loved cooking for family and friends, learning and playing music on his guitars, and being a generous, helpful member of his community. He will be deeply missed.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Friday, July 31, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at First Christian Church in Centralia, Illinois. A Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Adam Carlton officiating. Memorials may be made in John’s honor to the Jefferson County Animal Shelter.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
