The service took place two days before the start of this year's snooker World Championship, officiated by Bishop of Sheffield Pete Wilcox. ' Among the attendees were snooker legends Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Dennis Taylor, John Parrott, and Ken Doherty. Virgo's widow Rosie Ries and his grown-up children Gary and Brook-Leah were present at the service.
His son Gary delivered an emotional and amusing eulogy, sharing personal memories of his father. During the service, tributes were offered from the altar by John Parrott, Ken Doherty, Stephen Hendry, and Dennis Taylor, who recalled Virgo's impact on the sport and his warm personality. Ken Doherty, the 1997 World Championship winner, was among those who spoke, highlighting Virgo's contributions to snooker commentary.
We're going to miss him dearly. A great commentator but a good friend to us all, he made you feel very special. We all thought we were friends with John because he had a great heart and he was funny, sometimes cantankerous but we loved him for that. All in all, he was part of snooker's furniture, he was part of snooker's history and a wonderful commentator. He got the best out of every match.
Virgo was widely known as JV in snooker circles, a nickname that reflected his familiarity and respect within the community. His personal connections extended to close friendships, including with Willie Thorne, a fellow snooker figure who passed away several years ago, underscoring the bonds within the snooker world.
In the great commentary box in the sky with his good friend Willie Thorne, who we lost a few years ago.
Irreplaceable.
Always the ultimate pro.
I'm gonna miss him like mad.
Is there a gap… there is now my friend.
Thanks for 40 years of friendship, camaraderie and for making our wonderful sport just that bit better. Goodnight JV.
Left an indelible mark on the sport of snooker.
Was the life and soul of our group.
I loved him dearly. He was like a big brother, almost like a father to me.
It's not going to be the same.