John C. Birch, 67, of McKinney, Texas passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. John grew up in Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Florida where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In his career John worked with several influential leaders who were role models and with many very talented people. He began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. Houston and progressed through various financial leadership and operating CFO roles at PepsiCo, Sara Lee Corporation, Lexis Nexis and private equity before retiring late 2018. John was a CPA licensed in several states. John and spouse Lynn enjoyed establishing family life in six cities crossing the eastern half of the country.
John, in partnership with the love of his life and co-pilot in life, Lynn, made the singular life priority to be his loving family and beloved Labrador retrievers Wrigley, Lambeau and Mac. Significant time with his children in the game of golf sharpened their character, values, and life skills of friendship, competitiveness and sportsmanship drove tremendous and meaningful family time. His generous spirit to others, gusto for what each day has to offer, and dry sense of humor will be missed by all who had the joy of knowing him. He is once again restored to health in Heaven to walk and carry his golf clubs (“the only true way to play”) on his favorite golf courses with family and friends and take long walks with his Labs. Heaven will have a “no tee time necessary” policy (a la Silver Spring, Ridgefield CT).
John was pre-deceased by his parents, Chester and Ruth Birch and sister, Janet. He is survived by his devoted wife of 35+ years, Lynn; daughter, Kelly Birch (Charles Ramseyer, Dallas); son, Corey (Jupiter, Florida); daughter, Kaitlyn Birch (Michael Hiefner, Dallas); Father- and Mother-in-law Robert and Sue Zant (Houston); brother-in-law Ed Corcoran (Madison, Wisconsin); sister-in-law Tina Zant (Houston). He is also survived by several grandchildren, a nephew and cousins.
Book of 2Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
In memoriam to John, the family prefers donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis Tennessee, stjude.org; the Evans Scholars Foundation, providing college tuition/housing support to golf caddies and operated by the Western Golf Association, wgaesf.org; or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, michaeljfox.org.