F. John Jeannot
November 18, 1956 - August 29, 2008
Legendary passion, honesty and commitment to the work of social justice
Mr. F. John Jeannot, age 51, son of Louis G. Jeannot and Theresa M. Jeannot died peacefully in his home on August 29th at 4:40 a.m. He is survived by his parents, daughter, Sophia Marie Jeannot and his six siblings, Tom, Jeanne, Mary, Anne, Joseph and Lisa.
In addition to being a full time advocate for the disenfranchised, John was an electronic claims consultant at Group Health Hospital. In his short 51 years his contributions were unrivaled. His commitment to peace and justice were at the core of all of his beliefs and he was legendary for his passion, honesty and commitment to the difficult work of social justice reminding those who listened that they needed to do the same. As one of his closest friends says, "He wasn't shy about telling people what he thought, but he always left them with their dignity intact."
John was a deeply spiritual individual with an ecumenical outlook but also found a place for Catholic religion in his life. He was an active, engaged parishioner at Immaculate Conception, St. Mary's and New Hope Baptist Churches. His commitment to social justice was exemplified in every aspect of his life. He was a permanent and indefatigable worker (volunteer) for prison ministry, Juneteenth, Casa Latina, Squire Park Community Council, Jazz Festival and mothers for police responsibility. His political beliefs were consistent with his values as he supported the Kucinich campaign and most green parties. He participated fully in rallies and marches to end war, poverty, racism, and local and global inequities including WTO, Martin Luther King Rally, Black Dollar days, and countless others. He worked tirelessly to fight hypocrisy in every facet of political and social life and held himself to his unusually high standards, but like all holy revolutionaries, John was often misunderstood.
Even in his death, John was aligned with his values as he and daughter Sophie chose a non-invasive, non-toxic burial alternative. John was a loyal and faithful family man and father to his formidable daughter, Sophie Marie Jeannot.
"Each of us is unique gifts and graces offered to the whole in love. It's up to us to do it. If we don't do it, the whole will be unfulfilled." F. John Jeannot
UPDATE as of 9/24/08: To read an article written about John's contribution to his community in Tuesday September 23rd's edition of the PI, visit: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/380168_noparking23.html
FUNERAL INFORMATION
Funeral Service to be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 820 18th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122 on Tuesday, September 2nd at 4:00 p.m. Friends and family are encouraged to begin gathering at John's home (across the street from the church) at 3:00 p.m., where we will process with John's casket to the church just prior to start of the service.
DONATIONS
John requested memorial donations be sent to Black Dollar Days Task Force. You may send them to BDDTF 116-21st Ave Seattle, WA 98122. The Black Dollar Task Force is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in Seattle, Washington in November of 1988 with the intent of promoting the principles of self-help and self-determination through economic justice.
Memorial
Looking into the portals of eternity
Looking into the portals of eternity teaches that the brotherhood of man is inspired by God's word; then all prejudice of race vanishes away.
George Washington
Unique gifts and graces offered to the whole
Each of us is unique gifts and graces offered to the whole in love. It's up to us to do it. If we don't do it, the whole will be unfulfilled.
F. John Jeannot