John L. "Jack" Hoff

John L. "Jack" Hoff, 87, of Waukegan, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2014 in Waukegan. He was born September 8, 1926. A lifelong resident of Waukegan, he was the oldest son of Clarence and Ruth Hoff, born in 1926. He attended Immaculate Conception Grade School. In 1944, he joined the United States Air Force serving as a crew chief on B-29s. He married Eda Ramacci in 1945, and had three children, Ralph, Steve and Susan. For a short time, he played semi-pro football for the Waukegan Merchants. He joined his father, Clarence, on the Waukegan Police Department in 1949 and stayed there until 1976. During this time, he started as a patrolman, walking a beat, drove a motorcycle, was the night shift commander of the detective bureau, and became a lifetime master pistol marksman with the NRA, as well as the department training officer. Jack and his brother, Larry, achieved a first in Waukegan Police history when they were promoted to captain together, finishing the examination in first and second place. In 1969, the Exchange Club of Waukegan named Captain Hoff the outstanding law enforcement officer of Lake County. Jack's oldest son, Ralph, joined his father on the Police Department in 1973. In 1976, he retired from the Police Department to become the security chief of Lakehurst Mall. Jack also served the city of Waukegan as a 7th ward alderman. He founded Captain's Security Corporation in 1980, and the company is still in business in Waukegan. His hobbies included baseball, boating, and driving his 1963 Falcon convertible, restored by his son, Steve. He also enjoyed Trap shooting. However, his passion was golf. He was a member of Glen Flora Country Club and on July 3, 1999, he accomplished one of golf's rare feats by shooting his age of 72. He also had five hole in ones through the years. He was a member of St. Dismas Church, CCKC, Northbrook, a former president of the Waukegan Police Association, Waukegan Police Pension Board. Beloved husband of Eda; loving father of Ralph, Steve, and Susan (Robert) Horrom; dear grandfather of 4 grandchildren, Kris, Kelli, Natalie, and Stephanie; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Lawrence. Visitation 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Marsh Funeral Home. Mass 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at St. Dismas Catholic Church, 2600 Sunset Ave., Waukegan, IL. Burial private.