Jeffrey S. Jones

JONES-Jeffrey Stephen Jones - This world lost a genuinely great man on 12/5/21 when Jeff lost his long and courageous four year battle to cancer. Born October 7, 1953 in Rock Island, IL to Robert and Marjorie Jones growing up in Pekin, IL.
Jeff is survived by the love of his life Susan Kohlhorst Jones. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 2005 on the cruise ship Destiny in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.They lived a life full of laughter, music, card games, baseball and complete love.

He is survived by brothers, Jim (Martha) Jones of Jacksonville FL and best bud Joe Jones of Pekin. Mother in law Ruth Kohlhorst, brother and sister in law Jim and Brenda Kohlhorst. Children Jeffrey Jones, Nikki (Jeff) Carlson, David Shaffer and Kristi (Eric) Carlson. Three step sons, Adam, Ben and Josh Sulouff. Grandchildren Lexi Asprooth, Hank Carlson, Braxton, Hailey and Mason Carlson. Step grandchildren Madison, Hunter and Riley. Special nephews Stephen Jones of Montgomery, AL and Matthew Jones of Tampa, FL along with several other nieces and nephews.

Jeff played baseball on a scholarship as a left handed pitcher for the University of New Orleans. That love of the game stayed with him for life. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves supporter.

After college he was a successful salesman who traveled the country making good friends with all his customers. After retiring, he taught as a substitute teacher in the Rockford and Harlem School Districts.

Jeff was a compassionate supporter for adults and children who were sexually abused. He championed for them for many years driving to Peoria once a month holding meetings for healing and getting many of them compensation. He spoke before the Illinois Senate on a proposed bill to end the statute of limitations for abuse victims.

This last summer he enjoyed nightly fishing until dark on Spring Lake where he caught a prized largemouth bass-Walter.

Jeff also leaves behind his very endearing Pekin High School classmates of 50 years, the Dental Potluck who welcomed and loved him. Beloved Rockford Butterfly Supper Club friends. Plus Bocci and Bags friends at the Venetian Club. He had special bonds with his University of New Orleans brothers, their families and loving friends all over the country.

Jeff is preceded by his parents, sister Judy Crocker and niece Amy Jones.

In experiencing the hideousness’s of his diseases he will be donating his body to the University of Illinois Medical School for studies.
Special thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice, Sue Armato, Pete Paesani and Wilma Vathakos-Millsaps.

Per Jeff’s wishes, there will be no funeral but please raise a glass and toast this great warrior.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulfor Chapel. Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.