John J. "JJ" Senay

John J. “J.J.” Senay, 69, a devoted husband, brother, uncle, son, friend and a skilled hunter and fisherman, passed away at his home in O’Fallon, MO, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Known by friends and family alike for his generosity, John was tireless in his dedication to serving others. He had a sharp mind and an uncommon command of cutting-edge technologies, which he wove into a lifetime of impressive career achievements. John was also a very independent thinker who defied categorization and the labels that are so recklessly thrown around today. When he had developed a point of view, he had done his homework.

John’s love of the outdoors drove him to become an expert in Ozark waterways and hunting grounds, a passion he shared with numerous close colleagues, and, in particular, his father. John and his bride of 27 years, Joyce (Heminghaus), were world travelers, as well, who reveled in exploring the Irish heritage they held in common.

John was born in Iowa City, the fourth of seven children to Dr. L.C. “Charlie” Senay, Jr., and M. Charleen “Chuckie” (Fowler) Senay. After moving to St. Louis as a child, John not only distinguished himself as a top student, but as an athlete, known for his bruising tackling as a football linebacker for the St. Louis U. High Jr. Billikens, and later, the U. City High School Indians (now “Lions.”) He graduated from St. Louis University in 1979 with a degree in accounting.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce, brothers Matthew, David, Daniel and The Rev. Andrew “Mark” Senay, O.S.B, his sister Shrimani, and stepmother Jeanne and stepsister Julie Becker. He was an enthusiastic tutor of all things outdoors to his nieces Hannah Senay, Michelle Senay (Marc Steidler), Christy Senay (Gary Piotrowski), and Maddy Senay (Ben Boeding), as well as his grandnieces Margot and Beatrix Senay-Steidler. He was pre-deceased by his oldest brother, James (2016), his mother M. Charleen Senay (1989), his father, L.C. Senay, Jr., Ph.D. (2025) and his mother-in-law Lil Heminghaus (2011).

In lieu of any flowers, please feel free to honor John with a contribution to the nature conservancy cause of your choice, or consider supporting the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the state’s largest and most active conservation group: CFM Home - Conservation Federation of Missouri.