John "Jack" Axford

John (Jack) H. Axford, 94 of Rockford, Illinois, formerly of East Dundee, Illinois, passed away on February 11, 2023 at Wesley Willows in Rockford, Illinois. He was born in Elgin, Illinois on June 16, 1928 to John E. Axford and Margaret Zimmerli Axford. He married Joyce C. Harms on May 24, 1952 in Elgin, Illinois. After the passing of Joyce, he married Marilyn Smith on January 11, 2014.

Surviving is his wife, Marilyn Smith Axford and her children, Josiah (Cheryl) Smith, and Susannah Smith Chambers. Grandchildren, Zachary Smith, Noah Smith and Aubrey Smith Wade, Jarron Chambers, Alishah Chambers Mays and Janson Chambers.

Also surviving is his son, Timothy Axford (Loni), daughter, Susan Axford Epperson, granddaughter, Jill Epperson Kellum (Scott) and grandson, Kevin Epperson, great grandsons, Harper Kellum and Adriel Kellum.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joyce, and infant grandson, Shannon Epperson.

Jack enjoyed fishing in Lake Michigan on his boat “Knot Deductible” and at his cabin on Castle Rock Lake in Wisconsin. He had a large garden at his home in East Dundee and later in Rockford. He also enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Vallarta, Jamaica, European tours, cruises in the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal.

A memorial service will be held on February 21, 2023 at 10 am at Wesley Willows chapel, 4141 North Rockton Road, Rockford, Illinois.