Jack F. Philbrick

Jack Frederick Philbrick 

November 6, 1934 – February 12, 2025

Jack F. Philbrick born on November 6, 1934, in Green Bay, Wisconsin passed peacefully after a long illness. Jack’s hand was held by his dear wife Jami, with “the girls” Jill & Joy their spouses Kevin & Dan, his youngest grandson son Rhys and caregiver LJ by his side as he took his final breath on February 12,2025.

Jack is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 65 years, Jamalynn Wade of Rockford, Illinois, his beautiful daughters Jill Gemma Keefe (Kevin) of South Lebanon, Ohio, and Joy Lynn Weyrauch (Dr. Daniel), of Rockford, Illinois grandchildren Meredith Lee Keefe of Chicago, Illinois, Breton Jack Keefe (Anna) of Racine, Wisconsin, Nicolaus Wade Weyrauch (Skye) of Los Vegas, Nevada, Evan Daniel Weyrauch (Nicole), of Reno, Nevada, Brigham Marcus Weyrauch (Alexsis) of Missoula, Montana, Rhys Christian Weyrauch of Rockford, Illinois, his 4 great-grandchildren, Gemma Vae George-Keefe, Thomas Joseph and Drew Logan Keefe of Racine, Wisconsin, Emma Weyrauch-Montero, of Reno Nevada, brother Gene Earl Philbrick of Salem, NH, sister-in-law Arvena Marie Guynn of St. Charles, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Fredrick Benjamin and Verla Eloise Philbrick, and granddaughter Kelley Wade Keefe.

While Jack lived only 2 years in Green Bay, WI he could be often seen wearing his “hometown” team’s green and yellow. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and was proud to known as an owner, and that they were “his” team. Jack grew up in Rantoul, Illinois, attended Western Military Academy and graduated from Rantoul High in 1953. During Jack’s senior year of high school, he (finally) asked Jamalynn (Jami) to go to the movie for their first date. After high school Jack enlisted in the Army, he served from 1953-1958 in the 1st Cavalry Division as a Specialist First Class. Most of his service was spent in Japan where he learned the language and grew to love the country and the people. Upon discharge Jack proposed and married Jamalynn, June 28, 1959, in Rantoul, Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois where he earned is Bachelor of Science degree in Education with minors in Photography and Speech in 1962.

Jack’s working career began in Washington DC where he worked for the National Rifle Association in Public Relations and photographer and for Winchester Firearms Company as the Midwest Skeet & Trap Management Counselor. Jack soon changed his career path and began his work in Parks & Recreation as the Department Director in Alton, Illinois continuing on to Niles Park District as the Superintendent of Parks, then on to Minneapolis, MN where he was the Manager of Special Facilities then was recruited by Rockford Park District as the Administrator/Special Facilities, Jack’s final position and his pride and joy was being the Founding Director of the Byron Forest Preserve District, Byron, IL. Several high lights of his career in Rockford were being on the planning team to bring Trolley Car 36 and the Forest City Queen to the Rockford Park District, and overseeing the building project of the Riverview Ice House. While in Byron he worked endlessly on developing the beautiful prairies you see today and overseeing the construction of Prairieview Golf Course.

Jack had many interests and hobbies including being a member of the International Robin Hood Society and collector of all things Robin Hood, he was a firearms instructor and hunting safety instructor, he was also a Youth Coach for National Sporting Clays Association. He made sure the grandchildren took hunting safety and had a respect for all firearms. He enjoyed archery and on many trips to the Dominican Republic winning awards for his archery abilities. He was an amateur photographer and was rarely caught with out a camera around his neck, he captured endless moments. He loved trains, building model HO Trains. His largest collection is on permanent loan to the Museum in Byron, IL. Jack was an avid ShopSmith woodworker, making several pieces for his girls and grandchildren. Jack was a volunteer Docent at Anderson Japanese Gardens for over 15 years sharing his passion for Japan and gardens. Travel, travel was a big part of Jack’s retired life. Whether in the United States or abroad he enjoyed traveling with Jami and seeing the world. He volunteered with Pueblo Ingles for 13 years helping non-English speakers learn conversational English. He could be found sharing endless stories to folks in Spain, Germany, and Italy through this program. Some of his many trips he took him in Disney. Mickey was his dear old friend! He was a collector of old Disney cells and all things Mickey. He was a graduate of the Disney World Administrative School.

Jack loved to talk and would have a story for everyone. He was a member and award winner of Toastmasters International. He was a talker from day one, making everyone he crossed paths with feel like a friend. No telling how many he shared stories with, but we know it was A LOT!! Jack served as the President of Chapter 272 of the Korean War Veterans Association and was a Past President of the Winnebago County Veteran’s Assistance Program. Jack was instrumental in bringing the Tri-county Korean War Memorial to Loves Park, Illinois. Working hand in hand with the Rockford Park District this memorial is a unique and special place honoring those veterans. He was involved with and a devoted veteran of the Army (1st Cav Division) and spent many years in service to the Korean War Veterans of Northern Illinois

Jack was a 50-year member of Court Street United Methodist Church as well as a 32nd Degree Mason at the Freeport Consistory, Freeport, Illinois. Jack was a hard worker, devoted husband, and father. He instilled a strong work ethic in his girls and grandchildren. He was loyal, committed, and a dedicated man to his work and family.

The Family is being assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Homes. A visitation will be on Wednesday February 19, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am, followed by a service officiated by Rev Calvin Culpepper. In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider a memorial in Jack’s name to The Byron Forest Preserve District, or The Rockford Park District Foundation/Korean War Memorial or St. Croix Hospice or a memorial of your choice.

The Family would also like to thank the Visting Angels Team, St. Croix Hospice Team; Katie, APRN, Betty, CNA, Angie, Message Therapist, his caregiver LJ for all the love and care they gave him this past year, and to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD. We could not have done it without you!