John Paul Illges, III, 87, stepped into the Kingdom of Heaven on Sunday morning, April 3rd, peacefully at his home at Spring Harbor. His family was with him the night before and were able to put him in bed and assure him of their love. He enjoyed a little cup of ice cream right before bed and finished with a big smile. A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on Hancock Road Friday, April 8th at 11am. The family will greet visitors at 10am and then for an hour after the service.
John was born in Columbus, Georgia on December 2, 1934. He was the son of John Paul Illges, Jr. and Mary G. Illges and was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Columbus High School, attended Auburn University for two years and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He transferred to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and there he completed a degree in finance. He served with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning.
Shortly after graduating from college, he returned to his hometown and married his high school sweetheart Jean Dudley of Columbus. They enjoyed a beautiful marriage of 63 years before her passing in October of 2020. He began his career working for the family business, Lummus Industries. In 1968, he changed careers and became a stockbroker working for Johnson, Lane, Space & Smith before moving to The Robinson-Humphrey Company where he remained until he finished his long and distinguished career in 2001. John had a profound impact on many families as their trusted financial advisor - a man character, honesty, integrity, and commitment to serving his clients well.
John was elected as a member of the Columbus Consolidated Government’s City Council in 1968. He served on numerous boards including Brookstone School, LaGrange College and St. Francis Hospital. He was a long-time Director of Columbus Bank and Trust Company and an early Director of CB&T Bancshares which became Synovus Financial Corp where he served for more than 25 years. He was a founding board member of Total System Services and served there for more than 20 years. He was an active member and Elder at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church PCA. John poured into Columbus to make it a better place for so many.
He was the proud father of three sons. He spent many a night on the road attending his sons’ various sporting events. So many family memories of Dad center around high school sports or watching Auburn football, Braves baseball and golf tournaments with him. His greatest gifts to his family were his love for his Savior, his wife and his children, his deep faith, his rock-solid strength, integrity, and character. John Illges gave his life to Jesus Christ 40+ years ago. Today, he is free in eternity rejoicing with our Creator and our Mom. If there was one defining moment of his long and fruitful life, he would have said, “Jesus”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his precious wife Jeanie Illges, and his brother, Custis. He is survived by his sister, Mary Illges Mobley (Johnny), and his sister-in-law, Kathie Illges (Tommy). He is also survived by his three sons, John P. Illges IV (Lyle) of Columbus, Ralph W. Illges (Mary Phil) of Cross Plains, Tennessee, and Richard B. Illges (Shannon) of Columbus. He was “Pops” and “Papa” to his eight grandchildren, who loved him dearly – Mimi Illges Moore (Colin), Walton Illges Oliver, Anne Lyle Illges Foster (Robert), Hannah Illges Slay (Jeffrey), John P. Illges V, Mat H. Illges (Tess), Lucy Illges McDonald (Blake) and Mary Grier Illges Parker (John David). He also leaves behind eleven great grandchildren: Bram, Dani, Walt, Cooper, Griffin, Jack, Brody, Harper, Charlie, Riley, and John David.
He received extraordinary care in his final years from wonderful caregivers Sylvia Young, Olive Johnson, Jennifer Carter, Jackie Stewart, and Simone Jolly. Thank you for taking such great care of him. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to two local ministries that he loved: Truth Spring Academy or Mercy Med of Columbus.
