This world lost a genuinely great man on Dec. 5, 2021, when Jeffrey Stephen Jones lost his long and courageous four-year battle with cancer.

Jeff was born October 7, 1953, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Robert and Marjorie Jones, and grew up in Pekin, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Judy Crocker, and his niece Amy Jones.

Jeff is survived by the love of his life, Susan Kohlhorst Jones. They were married on Valentines 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 also survived by brothers Jim (Martha) Jones of Jacksonville, Florida, and best bud Joe Jones of Pekin, Illinois; his mother-in-law Ruth Kohlhorst and his brother- and sister-in-law Jim and Brenda Kohlhorst; his children Jeffrey Jones, Nikki (Jeff) Carlson, David Shaffer, and Kristi (Eric) Carlson; grandchildren Lexi Asprooth, Hank Carlson, Braxton, Hailey, and Mason Carlson; three stepsons Adam, Ben and Josh Sulouff; step grandchildren Madison, Hunter, and Riley; along with several nieces and nephews.

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 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 Cub and Atlanta Brave 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 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 large mouth bass, "Walter".

Because of his experience of the hideousness of his diseases, his body will be donated to the University of Illinois Medical School for research.

Special thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice, Sue Armato, Pete Paesani, and Wilma Vathakos.

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


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(Posted online on December 07, 2021. Published in Rockford Register Star. Reformatted.)