Stafford, Jr. , John

John Springs Stafford Jr., age 87, died peacefully on Saturday, April 5th at his home in Lake Forest, Illinois surrounded by his family and loved ones. John was a prominent figure in the options trading industry and a beloved husband, father, friend and mentor. John was born on November 24th, 1937, in Charlotte, North Carolina. A proud graduate of Davidson College, John played varsity basketball during his undergraduate years and remained an active supporter of the college's mission until his passing. He furthered his education at the University of North Carolina, where he earned a Master of Business Administration and cultivated a lifelong passion for the Tar Heels basketball program. John began his career as a financial analyst in New York before moving to Chicago in 1974, which would become his adopted home. Arriving shortly after the opening of the Chicago Board of Trade, John became one of the earliest traders in the IBM pit, and later in the OEX pit. After many successful years on the floor, John formed one of the earliest proprietary trading firms, Stafford Trading. His relentless drive for learning and interest in technology spurred innovation in both options pricing models and electronic markets execution. Also a venture capital investor, he earned respect for his skill on the floor, quiet demeanor, and integrity in all his interactions. Throughout his career, John helped many of his closest colleagues and friends launch their own endeavors. In the early 1990s, John met Susan Yang, who would become his wife, his soul mate, and the person who remained devotedly by his side until his last moments. Together, they had a daughter, Kimberly, who was his greatest source of joy. John is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Susan, and their daughter, Kimberly, his sons James ("Jimmy") and John, grandchildren Wyatt and Hendrix, and his sister Susan Stafford Boehm. He was predeceased by his beloved brother, Robert. John leaves behind family and countless friends - a testament to a life filled with achievement, impact, and above all, genuine caring for others. He was a great man who will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 25th at 2:00 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Illinois. A reception will follow immediately after on the 7th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to PAWS Chicago, 1997 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 10, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John Stafford

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8 Entries

Colby

May 1, 2025

Mr. Stafford always treated me as an adult. Even when he knew me as a teenager. He believed in me and helped me in business with my first job and then backed me to start at the CBOE. He was always great to me from a young age. He taught me to be an "actor " on the floor. I´ll never forget his guidance. My best. Colby

David Hollingsworth

April 25, 2025

Dearest "Spook"........

Lorry Lichtenstein

April 24, 2025

I first met John in the IBM trading pit in 1979 . John was one of the few traders at that time who understood the mathematical pricing of options.
He was definitely a pioneer in the industry.
Over decades I watched John help many traders. He was honorable and generous.
In the 1987 crash I watched John help out a close friend of his with a multi million dollar loan . I had never experienced such generosity. I was forever changed from that experience.
John was quirky and inquisitive. He was a courageous trader who never backed down from an opportunity.
He changed my life in a positive way as I stood side by side with him for decades.
He will be missed and remembered.

Jeff Miller

April 24, 2025

John gave my partners and me a chance to trade, even though we had no track record to speak of. He was an honorable, fair, and extremely decent man, who gave real opportunity many, many people.

Matthew Tym

April 15, 2025

Absolute gem of a man that changed the lives of so many people - me included. Can't imagine where I would be if he hadn't given me a shot - and he did it with a simple handshake deal.

SLL551

April 11, 2025

He gave me a dream opportunity and made me a trader on the cboe. No college education, nothing. I was pretty good at golf and he hooked me up. 1 in a Billion guy for sure.

Cheryl Mankoff

April 10, 2025

John was always a gentleman man. We will miss all our laughter over dinners at The Vintage or at Conway Farms. He had the biggest smile. We are sending lots of love you Susan and Kimberly.

Jerry Nelligan

April 10, 2025

I got the blessing of working for/with John for many years. He was a great mentor and an inspiration. John would constantly provide wisdom and yet was always humble and approachable. John would give me books he read and talk about the parts he thought were most valuable. John had a desire to understand everything and it allowed him to ask tough questions that lead things to the best destination. John coached me in my career, in my life, and even in basketball. John's generosity and impact are so great that I don't know the right words to express the gratitude I have for him. I will post one story that reflects his example. John was a big Michael Jordan fan and he took a couple of us from the technology group to a golf club to golf. When we got the the club Michael Jordan was there and John had not golfed with Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan asked John if he wanted to golf with him and John said "no, I am golfing with these guys". I don't know if he did ever get to golf with Jordan, but I know he treated us like nothing was more important to him.

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