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Our Lady of the Angels (OLA) School Fire, December 1, 1958




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John Michael Jajkowski, Jr.
Room Age Birthdate Grade B/G/T
212 10 9/18/48 5 Boy
Teacher
Sister Mary Clare Therese Champagne, BVM
Address
934 N Lawndale 
Family
Father: John Jajkowski, Sr.
Mother: Josephine (Dasta) Jajkowski
Brother: Steven Jajkowski 
About John
A photo that more than any other symbolized the tragedy at Our Lady of the Angels was taken by photographer Steve Lasker on December 1, 1958. In the photo fireman Richard Scheidt is carrying John's limp body from the school following the fire. The photo was carried in newspapers around the world.

John was an accomplished musician. He sang in the Boys Choir and played the accordion. He planned to become a priest. 

Interred: St. Adalbert (Niles, IL)
Memories of John
I just had to write about John. I'd like to thank his brother, Steve, for writing a beautiful story about him. Everyone got to know John from the poster with the fireman who carried him out of the fire, which we could never forget. John is with all the other angels and with my sister Carol Ann. God bless his family.
    -- (Dolores Labuda, Friend)