John "Jack" Mcfadyen

“Jack” John Campbell McFadyen, 94, passed away on March 18, 2020 surrounded by his loving family and the caring staff at Wesley Acres. A Celebration of Life service will be held post-coronavirus when in person gatherings are prudent. Jack was born February 28, 1926 in Toronto, Canada, the son of Archibald and Donalda (Ray) McFadyen. Jack was preceded in death by his only sibling Donald, killed in WWII when Jack was in high school. Jack was raised in Toronto, he lived at 10 Edna Ave and later 100 Montgomery Road. Jack played the bagpipes in his highschool band, a musical tradition he continued into his 80’s. To earn money for college Jack drove trucks, as a teenager he drove an Orange Crush delivery truck in downtown Toronto, and later he drove a construction truck building the Alaskan Highway. The story often told, “I earned 35 cents an hour and saved enough money to pay for 4 years of college”. Jack earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from “UT” the University of Toronto and throughout his life he proudly wore his iron pinky ring, a symbol of Candian engineering and homage to the profession. Jack met the love of his life, Joyce (Vick) McFadyen, during a ski trip to Mont Tremblant, Quebec. Jack and Joyce were married on April 11, 1953, and enjoyed 62 years together before Joyce passed in 2015. Jack and Joyce made the generous decision to adopt children to start their family. Their four children were blessed to be raised in a very loving and supportive home. Joyce and Jack learned early in their son, John's, life that although he had no physical issues, he was mentally disabled. To support John, Jack became active in many organizations including Woodward State Hospital School, and served on the board of Link Associates. Jack and Joyce moved to the states in the 60’s, living briefly in New Jersey and Red Wing, Minnesota. The family then moved to Des Moines and purchased a home in the historic Owl’s Head Neighborhood. For 25 years Jack fixed up his prized victorian home on Ridge Road. Jack’s claim to fame were his annual winter Single Malt Scotch tasting parties. Guests were requested to wear formal highland attire (black tie and tails, and a kilt). There was an opening ceremony to “pipe in the haggis”, and guests were treated to sampling of a dozen rare single malt scotches neat (as long as no one ruined the precious nectar by adding ice cubes). In each city Jack lived, he was active in his local church teaching youth groups, leading bible studies, and serving as a Deacon and an Elder. Jack was a 25-year member in each Central Presbyterian Church in Des Moines and the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista, Arkansas. Jack is survived by his four children. Don (Andrea) of Ankeny, Keith (Nancy) of Chicago, IL, and John at Mosaic Homes of Des Moines; and daughter, Barb (Mark) Scholz of Des Moines. Grandchildren include Don's children: Heather McFadyen of Charlotte, NC, Meredith (Bryan) Emery of Huntersville, NC, and Jennifer McFadyen of Minneapolis, MN; Keith's children in Chicago, IL: Abigail, Emily, and Lindsay McFadyen; and Barb's children in Des Moines: Jack, Mary and Michael Scholz. Two great grandsons Miles and Carter Emery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Wesley Acres at 3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312.