Donald Jack

Donald Eugene Jack, 71, of Minooka and formerly of Decatur and Sullivan, died Tuesday, September 12, with family by his side after complications from surgery. He was born on March 15, 1946 in Mattoon to Vernon Eugene Jack and Evelyn Madge McElravy. He married Janice F. Mintel on June 12, 1976. He was preceded in death by his father and sisters, Rita and Patricia. He is survived by his wife; daughter Anastasia Cepeda of Oswego; mother of Sullivan; brother Ronald (Sharon) of Sullivan; grandsons Alec, Austin, and Aidan Cepeda of Oswego; brother-in-law Ralph Mintel of Seattle, WA; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncle, former foreign exchange student son, Marc Stadtlander of Munich, Germany, and cherished friends and colleagues. After graduation from Sullivan High School with the Class of 1965, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army, completing his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. He attended specialized training at several bases before his deployment to Vietnam in the era of the Tet Offensive. He was a photo imagery interpreter, assigned to the 225th and the 244th. He received numerous awards, including the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. When he returned to the States, Don joined the Decatur Police Department as a patrol officer and served as the Liaison Officer at Stephen Decatur High School for 11 years. He involved himself in the life of the school, attending functions, taking photographs of events, but also sharing his passion of photography with those who desired to learn how to shoot pictures, improve composition, and even develop film and print black and white photos. Part of his police assignment included Crime Prevention, often portraying McGruff, the Crime Dog, at schools and community functions. Don advanced to sergeant with the Department and oversaw the Juvenile Division, including the D.A.R.E. program. Don also worked part-time security detail at various businesses throughout the years: DMH; ADM, helping to establish security teams; Carson Pirie Scott; and Kay’s Merchandise Mart. After 28 years of service and dedication to the citizens of Decatur, Don retired to pursue additional interests. He also read grant applications for the Department of Justice. During his time as a police officer, Don was invited to reenlist in military service with the U.S. Naval Reserve as an analyst, assigned to the Naval Air Reserve Center Chicago at Great Lakes. He was mobilized in support of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom, and he also served during The Balkans Conflict, Desert Storm, and Desert Shield. Petty Officer 1st Class Jack was his unit’s career counselor and achieved recognition for his thorough approach to his position. Among the awards he received are the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award Ribbon, and the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal. When he moved from Decatur, Don worked for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in Champaign/Urbana and Joliet. He was a field investigator, advancing to the position of supervisor. Don’s educational background after high school included a two-year degree from Lake Land College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Millikin University in 1976. He earned an MA in Social Justice Professions from the University of Illinois at Springfield, a Master of Public Administration from UIS, and a Master of Social Work from George Williams College of Aurora University. Don completed all of his advanced degrees while working full-time. Don was a former member of Grace United Methodist Church, serving with the camera crew, teaching Sunday School, and helping with meal preparation for Madrigal Dinners; Secretary of Decatur Police Benevolent & Protective Association; Illinois PB & PA Youth Camp Director, providing summer camp experiences for underprivileged youth; Decatur Police Pension Fund Trustee; Illinois Police Pension Fund Trustee; Secretary of the Minooka Police Commission; and member of United Methodist Men at Minooka United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Mohawk Association, VFW Post 6410 in Sullivan, American Legion Post 1188 in Minooka, South Macon Masonic Lodge #467, EAA, and EAA Chapter 95 in Morris, where he helped with the Young Eagle program, usually taking photos. He assisted with Minooka Summerfest and Minooka American Legion Valentine’s Dance. Don especially enjoyed photography, travel, and aviation. He held a pilot’s license and took pleasure in seeing earth from a different vantage point. Don’s volunteerism included the Visitor Center at Starved Rock State Park, the USO at O’Hare Airport, and Oshkosh AirVenture for the past 10 years. Despite the rigors of his career, Don worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help others. He was kind, compassionate, inquisitive, and had a thirst for knowledge. He said, “I’ve had a good life.” Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 21 from 4 to 8 p.m., with Masonic Rites following at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, 2827 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, Illinois. At 9 a.m. on Friday, September 22, family and friends will process from the funeral home to Camp Butler National Cemetery in Riverton for military burial rites at 10 a.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice, Millikin University, or Cleveland Clinic Foundation. "
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