Jack Leroy Grace

Jack Leroy Grace was born in 1942 in Decatur, Illinois, and from the start he was full of energy, humor, and heart. He proudly served four years in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that left him with a lifelong sense of discipline and camaraderie — but also a deep appreciation for family and home.

In 1964, Jack married his sweetheart, Lena, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They raised two daughters, Annette and Angie, whom Jack adored beyond measure. He was a father who delighted in spoiling his girls, cheering them on in everything they did, and making sure they knew how deeply they were loved.

As the family grew, Jack’s joy multiplied with the arrival of his five grandchildren: Nicholas, Zachariah, Christian, Dawson, and Savannah. Nothing made him prouder than being their “Papa.” He relished every chance to spoil them too — sneaking treats, telling jokes, and always making them feel like the most important people in the room. Jack’s heart expanded again with the arrival of his two great-grandsons, Dean and Simon, who quickly became another source of delight and pride.

Jack was a man of many passions. In his younger years he loved to hunt and play softball, enjoying the camaraderie of friends and the thrill of the outdoors. Later, bowling became a beloved ritual. He and Lena bowled together in leagues for more than 30 years, a hobby that brought them joy, friendly competition, and countless friendships. He became quite the bowler — but what mattered most was sharing those moments with his wife.

Those who knew Jack knew he was a jokester at heart. He loved to tease, laugh, and keep things light, but underneath the humor was a man of deep warmth and generosity. He had a big heart and a natural way of making people feel seen, heard, and cared for.

More than anything, Jack lived for his family. His devotion to Lena, Annette, Angie, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was the defining feature of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, laughter, and love that will echo through every story told, every memory cherished, and every tradition continued in his honor.

Jack Leroy Grace will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Marine, bowler, jokester, and friend — but above all, as the heart of his family.

To my father, Jack Grace —

I want to thank you for being such an inspiration, not only to me but to your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, and to so many others who’ve shared stories with me about you. From such an early age you showed us all what it meant to live with hard work, discipline, respect for others, love for family, and a steadfast faith in God. You didn’t just speak about values — you lived them every single day.

Growing up, I watched in awe as you and Mom worked side by side, building businesses together and creating a life grounded in dedication and partnership. The bond between you and Mom was unshakable. It was a bond that cultivated an atmosphere of honor, appreciation, and respect for each other’s unique qualities — something that all of us were blessed to witness.

Something I’m going to miss the most is your beautiful smile and your ability to communicate through your eyes. Even in the most trying times you stayed positive and kept smiling. You would always light up when you listened to your favorite music — singing along to your favorite songs, taking walks through the neighborhood with your music in your ears and some dance steps to boot.

It was always inspirational to see you moving and grooving on your walks. Only recently did I realize you still listened to the same music you played when we took family trips in the car or motorhome. As a child I didn’t appreciate the genre of your music choice, but now every time I hear that music it brings back wonderful memories of you — and for that, Dad, I want to thank you.

You also loved bringing the family together. Some of your happiest times were at our family barbecues — manning the grill, telling jokes, and making sure everyone had a full plate. You enjoyed those simple but special moments, especially when the day would turn into games of ping pong, shooting pool, or playing cards with the family. And at our holiday meals, you always led us in prayer, setting the tone of gratitude, faith, and unity that brought us even closer together. Whether at the grill, the game tables, or the card table, you made those times about laughter, competition, connection, and thankfulness — and they will always be cherished memories for all of us.

Because of you, Dad, I learned what it means to persevere, to give without expecting anything in return, and to hold family at the center of everything. You taught me that success isn’t measured only by what we achieve, but by the love, generosity, and character we bring to the people around us.

You were, and always will be, a model of strength, humility, humor, and heart. You showed us how to live with integrity and how to cherish the ones we love. I will carry those lessons forward, and I know your grandchildren — and even their children and great-grandchildren — will too.

Thank you, Dad, for the life you lived and the example you gave us all. We love you, we honor you, and we will never forget the man you were — and always will be — in our hearts.

I love you,

Angelina