John "Jack" Joseph McCarthy Jr., 82, of Franklin, Indiana, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Buffalo, New York, on January 10, 1944, to the late John Sr. and Alice (Maxwell) McCarthy.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years. During his military career, he served in Vietnam on the Fire and Air Rescue team, courageously protecting others and helping save countless lives while serving aboard HH-43 Huskie rescue helicopters. At the time of his retirement from the Air Force, he was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base, where he served as a Tech. Sergeant as a Fire Protection Instructor Supervisor, training future firefighters to protect their fellow service members. Following his military service, Jack began a second career providing security for Alpine Electronics until his retirement.

While stationed at Chanute Air Force Base, Jack met the love of his life, Linda Fay (Gunter) McCarthy. Together they shared the kind of love many only dream of. If asked the secret to their marriage, they would simply say they were best friends. They were together for 43 wonderful years until Linda's passing in 2021, and not a day went by that he did not miss her deeply.

In his younger years, Jack enjoyed fishing, softball, bowling, and playing cards. Above all else, however, his greatest joy was his family. To those who knew him well, Jack was especially proud and passionate about three things: his military service, his Irish ancestry, and the Buffalo Bills.

Jack is survived by his daughters, Tammy Ballew (Carl McMurray) of Franklin, Indiana, and Heather Hurst (Jeff) of Roswell, New Mexico; his grandchildren, Chelsea Burton, Cassea Crawford, Cole Ballew, Kaitlyn McMurray, and Olivia Forrest; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Aubrey Smith, Emmalyn Crawford, Gunnar Wagoner, Jossette-Fay Ballew, Luka Wagoner, and Athena Avita, who brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his siblings, Eileen McCarthy, Mike McCarthy, and Tom McCarthy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Alice (Maxwell) McCarthy; his brother, Kevin McCarthy; and his beloved wife and best friend, Linda Fay (Gunter) McCarthy.

Public Visitation will be held at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN on Thursday, May 28, 2026, beginning at 4:30 p.m., with funeral services immediately following at 6:30 p.m. with military honors to follow by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.