John "Jack" Waters

John "Jack" Waters, 70, of Springfield, passed away on March 28, 2018 at St. Josephs Home after a courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Jack was born June 2, 1947 in Springfield, the son of Henry E. and Ruby M. Privott Waters. He married Nancy A. Bartelsmeyer on June 12, 1971 in Taylorville. Jack grew up in Edinburg and graduated from Edinburg High School in 1965. He earned a bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois in 1969. While in college he became the biggest fan of the Fighting Illini, whether they were winning or losing. Upon graduating, Jack proudly served in the Illinois National Guard for six years. After moving to Springfield with Nancy, Jack worked as a probation officer prior to becoming the Clerk of the Court for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, retiring after more than 35 years. He loved playing pool at Starship with his Thursday and Friday night pool buddies: Bill, Bud, Grant, Mike and Larry. You could often find him singing Cocaine Blues by Johnny Cash at local bars or attending a Jimmy Buffett concert as a loyal Parrot Head. Jack and Nancy were lucky enough to spend time after retirement in Ft. Myers Beach where Jack loved walking on the beach and listening to beach music. He was always searching for the next best beach bar. But, most of all, he loved playing with his grandchildren. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Island Bay Yacht Club. He is preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Waters of Springfield; two daughters, Julie (Sean) Flynn of Edwardsville and Kimberly (Joseph) Saab of Linn Creek, MO; five grandchildren, Carter Saab, Lillian Saab, Hudson Saab, Aiden Flynn and Riley Flynn; mother, Ruby M. Waters of Springfield; sister, Rebecca Short of Normal; two nieces, Susan Edwards and Linda Short; five nephews, Jeff Moulton, Ken Moulton, Scott Moulton, Josh Browell, and Brian Bartelsmeyer; brother-in-law, Bill (Barbara) Bartelsmeyer; and sister-in-law, Judy Moulton (Dale Weitekamp). Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to the Memorial Gathering and Ceremony. Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Visitors should feel free to wear bright colors to celebrate Jack. Family will receive friends from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield, with a Memorial Ceremony immediately following at 4:00 p.m. officiated by Karen Kelly. A Celebration of Life will follow at Island Bay Yacht Club. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Josephs Home, 3306 S. Sixth Street Road, Springfield, IL, 62703. The family is truly grateful for the loving care Jack received there over the last year.