John Chaich Jr.

RICHMOND, Va. - John Chaich, Jr., 88, of Richmond, passed away Thursday, Oct. 17, 2017. He was born Nov. 7, 1927.

He achieved his B.S. degree at Wisconsin State College, and after working at the James River Corporation for 34 years, he went on to become President and CEO of the Meridian and Bigbee Railroad.

John served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant during World War II.

He was a volunteer at St. Mary's Hospital for 10 years and was on the Advisory Committee at Comboni Missionary Sisters.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty J. Chaich; his parents, John and Mary Kerecman Chaich; and two sisters, Mary Ann Kopitke and Jean Frances Chaich.

He is survived by his sister, Marge Hanlin (Don); a niece, Patti Newcomb, a nephew, James Kopitke, and close friends, Barbara G. Bass, Colleen Bass, Joe and Mary Borzelleca, Helen Jones, Phil and Joan Puccio and Jerry and Joy Katz.

A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at St. Agnes Cemetery in Ashland, Wis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.