Beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher and friend died peacefully at home after a brief illness. John was born in Santa Clara CA, to Anna and Frank Soares. He graduated from Santa Clara High School in 1938 and San Jose State in 1947. He served honorably as a Sergeant in the US Army during WWII, during which time he met and married his wife of 68 years, Madge Walske Soares. They settled in Morgan Hill in 1948 and raised a family of 5 children.John was a much loved and respected art teacher at Live Oak High School from 1948 until his retirement in 1982. He was very active in RCIA at his church, St. Catherine’s, and in the Morgan Hill Historical Society. He was an avid reader, a story teller, a gourmet, a lover of art and music and a wise and considerate man. His absence is keenly felt by all who knew, and loved him. Surviving him are his wife, Madge, his children Gina (Bill Jones) and Todd; son-in-law Daniel Sigler, his grandchildren Mak Knutson (Amy), Luke Knutson (Nowelle), Megan Jones-Curran (Terry), and Elizabeth Jones. Also 3 great-grandchildren: Aria, Blue, and Charlie Anna Knutson, and numerous nephews and nieces. He is rejoining his children Margo Sigler, John-Scott Soares, and Matthew Soares.
A memorial mass will be held July 27th at 10:00 A.M., St. Catherine’s Morgan Hill with a reception following in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Catherine’s Building Fund.
