Jack Shales

1930 - 2018

John S. (Jack) Shales of Elgin passed away on January 26, 2018. Jack was born on November 13, 1930 and lived his entire life in Elgin, with the exception of his three years in the Marine Corp serving his country in Korea from 1951-1953. In 1954, Jack married Marlene Kane, his high school sweetheart. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Jack was hired at Illinois Hydraulic Construction Co. by owner Pete Rakow in 1954. Rakow, along with community leaders Bob Hoffer, Sr. and Bill Brady, instilled in Jack a commitment to charitable and civic causes that lasted his entire life. In 1983, after 27 years with Illinois Hydraulic, Jack co-founded the construction company Seagren/Shales, Inc. In 2001, he was a founding partner of Shales McNutt Construction, where he remained a valuable asset throughout his life. Jack found ways to make each of his employees feel valued and appreciated. Jack was a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Plato Center, where he enjoyed participating in the Corinthians class. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Marlene, four children; Michael (Trecia) Shales, Kristin (Doug) Durham, Heidi (Jeff) Baudry, and John (Shelly) Shales; fourteen grandchildren; Anna (Frank) Machniak, Gwen Shales(Kyle Johnson), Leah (Dan) Roe, Jack F. Shales, Raven and Hope Shales, Kyle and Jesse (Sabrina) Durham, Zak and Alec Baudry, Sydney, Matthew, Ellen, and Jake Shales; and four (and a half) great-grandchildren; Asher and Etta Johnson, Lillian and Timothy Machniak, and Baby Roe (due this summer). Jack sincerely loved the community of Elgin and was involved in many civic and charitable organizations. He was a prolific fundraiser, and was involved in the United Way of Elgin campaigns for more than 60 consecutive years. At the time of his passing, he was actively raising money for the Elgin YMCA-owned Camp Edwards. Jack's unwavering compassion and desire to "give back" has benefitted countless lives, and he always had a genuine interest in each and every person he met. To honor Jack's memory and passion for giving, the family requests (in lieu of flowers) donations/memorials be made to Cornerstone Church, Plato Center, and Camp Edwards. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Laird Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 847-741-8800 or www.lairdfamiulyfuneralservices.com