Unfortunately, during these past months our family has also suffered a heartbreaking loss. On April 27, Sophia's grandpa Jack passed away. He was an amazing person. Jack received a liver transplant on New Year's this year. He fought so hard through so many complications, but God had other plans for Jack and called him home. While we are thankful that Jack is no longer suffering we miss him everyday. He touched many people and was truly an example of how we should live our lives....always with a smile and always helping others. One of the most saddening parts of the situation for us was the fact that he never got the chance to meet his newest granddaughter. And although they never met in person...Sophie was Jack's little Babette from the moment we found out we were having a girl (grandma and grandpa named her well before mommy and daddy did!). Sophie will certainly know her grandfather through the all wonderful stories we have to tell about him. We miss you and love you grandpa Jack.
MORTON – Jack E. Felts, 55, of Morton, died at 12:48 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2009, at the University of Illinois Hospital, in Chicago. He was born September 14, 1953, in Springfield to Earl and Hazel Bryant Felts. He married Theresa Shields on September 2, 2006 in Peoria. She survives. Also surviving are his daughters, Tracy (Zack) Audi of Auburn, Illinois and Jamie (Steve) Robinson of Round Lake, Illinois; his step-children, Jason Shields of Morton, Rachel (Andy) Herbst of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Kevin Shields of Chicago, Jason Respondek of Palm Springs, California; his grandchildren, Taylor Audi, Michael Audi and Sophia Herbst. His brothers, Jim (Diane) Felts and Jerry (Rhonda) Felts, both of Rochester, Illinois; his mother, Hazel Felts of Springfield and a special aunt, Ruth Stewart of Springfield. Jack was preceded in death by his father. Jack was employed in sales for 38 years with Springfield Electric. He loved his job and was very proud and devoted member of the Springfield Electric team. As a result of his many years in the electrical industry, Jack had many life-long customers and friends who will miss him. Jack was an intensely loving and compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humor that never faltered no matter what the challenge. Jack brought into the life of his wife, Theresa, love and happiness every moment of every day, and she will miss him every moment until she is reunited with him. Jack loved his family, loved his friends, and loved his work and he was selflessly devoted to all of them. He also had other loves – golfing, scuba diving, bowling, snowmobiling, playing pool, music and the Miami Dolphins. Jack was always the first to volunteer and the last to leave. He loved helping his family and friends, especially with building and remodeling projects. Jack always said “You need to use the right tool for the job” and his garage proved he lived by that motto. Jack was also a frequent volunteer in the community over the years for several charitable causes, including the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Jack had several health challenges during the last 10 years. After surviving leukemia in 1998, Jack demonstrated to all a deeper love of life, living every moment with an enthusiasm that inspired all who knew him to do the same. While Jack’s pain is now gone, ours begins as he leaves a hole in the heart of everyone who loved him. We love you and will miss you Jack. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2009 at St. Sharbel Catholic Church Maronite Rite in Peoria. The Rev. Bechara Awada will officiate. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2009 at St. Sharbel Catholic Church with recitation of the Rosary at 8:00 p.m. Burial will be in Robert’s Cemetery in Morton. The Wilton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to The University of Illinois Foundation, Walter Payton Liver Center 1305 W. Green St. Urbana, IL 61801
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