Father Kearney, I will miss; My big bear hugs. Your brilliant mind and sense of humor. Your love of God and his broken children. Your love of justice. Your gift of time and attention whenever called upon and especially how well-regarded and loved I felt each time we crossed paths or I called you with an ethical dilemma. I will never forget you or the beautiful lessons you imparted to me. God’s got you now…time for rest, I can’t think of anyone more deserving. Love, Roxie

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Fr. John Patrick Kearney “Fr. Jack” who returned to the Lord last night, August 22, 2021, after a brave fight with a chronic illness. Many of us just knew him as Fr. Jack, a priest that served a Great and Glorious God. He was a pioneer and legend in the Addiction Studies and Recovery Community. It would be an understatement to say that he helped people. He literally ushered hundreds of lives if not perhaps thousands into the rooms of recovery and into the counseling profession. There are generations of counselors that owe their livelihood to Fr. Jack and what he taught them. There are hundreds and hundreds of people that are breathing sober breaths today because of his patience and guidance. Over his 38 years of recovery and service, he was selfless; giving new definition to the word . He was the founder of Training Institute for Addiction Counselors (TIAC) and the Family Intervention Service Centers (FISC) in which he helped countless families by providing free intervention services. Until the end, he was an extremely active CAADE member and for the past 25 years he served as president, regional chair, and chaired countless committees. He was famous for his legal and ethical classes and seminars. As a student, you walked away from his classes feeling fulfilled and that you had learned something that made you a better person. Humble, never attempting to draw attention to himself, his smile and big personality would fill a room and each person felt blessed to be in his presence. God blessed us with Fr. Jack and his memory will always be treasured. Fr. Jack. you are loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. Memorial and funeral arrangements are pending. – Training Institute for Addiction Counselors