John Hallock Austin M.D., 94, of Manlius, passed away May 4, 2025. Jack was born in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, on November 25, 1930, to Roy and Alice Austin. In 1953, He married Margaret Joan Rogers.
Pursuing the field of medicine, he graduated from Houghton College and McGill University. He fulfilled his residency at Ohio Valley General Hospital and then served his country as an Air Force flight surgeon and reservist. In 1969, he moved his family to Potsdam, New York, to begin his private practice as a general surgeon. He also practiced in Star Lake as a locum tenens emergency room doctor and as a medical missionary in the Ivory Coast. His practice was hallmarked by his spirit of generosity as he often refused payment altogether or settled the bill with a jar of honey, a Christmas tree, or a Thanksgiving turkey. In his rare free time, he enjoyed Bible study, fishing, camping, and general puttering. In 2012, John retired from medical practice to live in Manlius, New York.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret; his father, Roy (professor emeritus at SUNY Potsdam); his mother, Alice; brother, Neil; sister, Janice MacDonald; and son, Stephen. He is survived by his daughter Karen Springer; two sons, Paul and John Mark; a number of nieces and nephews; six grandchildren, and eight great-grandsons.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at NewComer Cremations and Funerals in North Syracuse, with Rev. Stefan Matzal of Trinity Fellowship officiating. Interment will be made May 19, 2025, 12 p.m., at Bayside Cemetery in Potsdam, New York, with Rev. John Ault of New Hope Community Church officiating.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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