John Christopher Junker (“Chris”) passed away on Sunday April 3, 2022 at the age of 78.
Chris was a devoted husband, proud and loving father, generous grandfather, and a friend to all.
He is survived by Karen, his wife of 54 years, their two children Tim (Kymm), Diane (Mark) Webber, and four grandchildren – Cameron Taylor, Jake and Zoey Junker, and Jack Webber. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth “Betsy” (W. Patrick) Flaherty, brother Frederick (Sharon), in-laws Constance “Connie” McLaughlin, John (Linda) Iverson, eight nieces and nephews and their children.
Chris was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Alice Junker.
Chris was born in Salem, MA on February 8, 1944, spent his formative years in Fort Wayne, Indiana, then relocated to Schenectady, NY in high school. Chris attended Miami of Ohio for his undergraduate degree in Physics, and earned his MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Chris had a long career in Accounting and Finance, working for Kodak and then Johnson & Johnson. His career with Kodak brought him to Rochester, where he met Karen in 1966. They were both new to Rochester at the time, crossing paths at a Christmas party and marrying one year later in 1967.
Chris lived a full and rich life, keeping his days busy with golf, yard work, volunteering, doing puzzles, and traveling with Karen to see family and explore various places throughout the country. He was most at peace in the kitchen, cooking and baking wonderful creations for his loved ones. Recipes were “merely a suggestion,” Chris then putting his own spin on the recipe such that no two meals were ever the same. He cherished his time on the golf course, practicing his golf swing all winter in preparation for the warmer weather. He also never met a glass of scotch or bourbon he didn’t like.
Chris ended each day turning to Karen to declare, “Today was a good day, wasn’t it.” He was sentimental beyond measure, so perhaps hug your loved ones upon reading this as a toast to him.
In lieu of a funeral service, the family will host a memorial gathering with family and friends at Oak Hill Country Club later this spring, where he loved to golf and enjoy a good meal with Karen and friends.
Donations may be made to Tool Thrift Shop in Fairport, where Chris regularly volunteered his time: https://toolthriftshop.org.
Comments
8 responses to “Junker, John Christopher”
So sorry Karen and family to hear of Chris’s passing. I remember him as a gracious, kind tennis player at TCR and saw him often working out at midTown Athletics.
Hey was always friendly with a smile snd hello.
So sorry Karen and family to hear of Chris’s passing. I remember him as a gracious, kind tennis player at TCR and saw him often working out at midTown Athletics.
Hey was always friendly with a smile snd hello.
Very sorry Karen, Diane and family. I only met Chris two or three times through Diane – whom I got to know through her son Cameron and my daughters childhood friendship – but I remember him as such a nice man. Prayers and love to you all. ❤??
Chris was really a gr8 guy. I worked closely with him for many years at both Kodak and J&J. He was always in a good mood and was one of the nicest and friendliest people I have ever met. He never let an opportunity to talk about golf or his family pass him by. He will be sadly missed by many. Cheers buddy, Rest In Peace.
For over 50 years, Dennis and I have been fortunate to have Chris and Karen as dear friends, companions and “family”. Over those years, we played golf, tennis, skied, and vacationed together. Chris was my squash buddy and cooking consultant.
We shared with them our dear friends Inge and Larry, Marilyn and Sal, Tom and Margie, Barb and Nick…among others, while they shared their incredible family Tim and Diane as well as their kids spouses and beautiful grandchildren. What a happy and valued relationship.
Our gourmet group and Sunday picnics have a special place in our hearts. “Chrissy” was an incredible cook and bread maker. He also would come to pick us up at the airport at all hours and take us to stay at their home when we visited from Tucson. He and Karen were the ultimate hosts.
We love and miss you Chris. With great sorrow and love. Dennis and Carol
Karen, and family I am so sorry for your loss. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Chris. However, it sounds like he was an
amazing guy. I wish you peace through this difficult and sad time.
I’m very sorry to hear that we’ve lost Chris. Seeing his picture and reading his story brought back pleasant memories of him. I worked with Chris for a decade or so at Kodak/J&J. Chris was more than a great coworker; he was a great friend to have in the office. Rest in peace, my friend.
I was so sorry to hear from friends way down here in FL of Chris’s passing. My heart goes out to Karen and their family. Chris always had a smile for me when Karen and I would walk off the golf course. Len really enjoyed his company. I hope I return to Rochester in time for his memorial. He was a sweetheart and will be missed by many.