John James McCormack

John J. McCormack, Sr. 88, of Sanford died February 7, 2004 at the Greenwood Center after a long illness. He was born in Alberton, Prince Edward Island January 13, 1916, son of Woodfred W. and Elizabeth (Ramsey) MacCormack. He was baptized as "McCormack" March 12th. At the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. He became aware of the misspelling of his surname in the parish records when he needed a record of birth from Social Security. Because the civil records were supposedly destroyed by fire, he had to change the spelling of his surname to "McCormack." He family moved to Ashland, Maine in the 1920's.Mr. McCormack was a professional prizefighter in the Featherweight Class during the 1920's and '30's. He fought all over New England under the name "Irish Johnny Mack." He and friend Kenneth Burgess were featured in a story in the Sanford News in March 1, 1994. They were the only remaining Sanford fighters. People fought to live in the 1930's. Fighters usually made between $5 and $25 a fight in the days when a weekly wage in the mills could equal as little as $18.Mr. McCormack served in the U.S. Navy in WW II. He was stationed in California as a photographer. Mr. McCormack was a 34-year member of the American Legion, and a life member of the AMVETS Post # 3 and Commander the second year after it was established. Also, he was a past officer and 30 year member of the Elks, life member of the Disabled American Veterans, life member of the Blinded Veterans Association and member of the Hadley School for the blind.Mr. McCormack was predeceased by his second wife, Bernice, a sister, Gloria Clarke, two brothers, Wilfred and Walter MacCormack, and a son, Malcolm Lee MacCormack. He is survived by sons, Rev. John MacCormack, David L. and Richard M. MacCormack, children of his first marriage; nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be Wed. Feb. 11th. From 6 - 8 p.m. at the Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, Maine. Funeral Services will be Thursday, Feb 12th. At 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Virginia Gass, officiating. Committal prayers and interment will be later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, VAMC, Togus, ME04330.