Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Gary, Indiana
Sgt. John E. Jelks Jr., age 65, was born in Chattanooga, TN February 14, 1948, the second of six children born to John E. Jelks, Sr. and Pearlie Jelks.
John passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at home with his loving family surrounding him.
He accepted Christ at an early age at Greater First Baptist Church in East Chicago, IN. He was a graduate of East Chicago Roosevelt High School, Class of 1966, and after graduation, he served as a member of the United States Army in the Vietnam War.
John was a dedicated Sergeant with the Gary Police Department. He retired with 28 years of service, where he received numerous honors and awards. John was preceded in death by his father, John E. Jelks Sr.
John leaves to cherish his memory, loving and devoted wife of 22 years, Phyllis Jelks of Gary, IN; one son, Mark (Denise) Jelks of Indianapolis, IN; three daughters, Crystal Jelks and Nikki Dates of Gary, IN and Monique Dates of Nashville, TN; one granddaughter, Destiny Jelks of Indianapolis, IN; mother, Pearlie Jelks of East Chicago, IN; siblings, Ruby (Karl) Thomas of Maricopa, AZ; Doris (William) Chavis of Dyer, IN; Dorothy Jelks and Ruth E. Jelks of East Chicago, IN; brother, Samuel (JoAnne) Jelks of East Chicago, IN; three brothers-in-law, Anthony Jenkins and Kenneth Jenkins of Gary, IN and Kelvin Jones of Austin, TX; three sisters-in-law, Linda Jenkins, Cathy (Darryl) Nunn and Brenda Jones, all of Gary, IN and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 5, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. with family hour from 6 until 8 p.m. at Smith, Bizzell and Warner Funeral Home, 4209 Grant Street, Gary, IN.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m on Friday, December 6, 2013 at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 1301 W. 21st Avenue, Gary, IN., Reverend Charles Emery, officiating.
Burial at Evergreen Memorial Park, Hobart, IN ~
Remembering a outstanding, honorable professional giant. You left the city with the knowledge of great security because of your standards of pure professionalism. Yes we miss you but glad you crossed our paths. Continue your rest you give your best. Ret. Officer J. Gamble.
JoAnn S. Gamble
November 27, 2022
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his SAINTS. Psalms 116:15. John was truly one of Gary's FINEST, his honor,work ethic and integrity speaks volumes.
Solomon Haymon
December 25, 2013 | Gary, IN
To Phyllis and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I will be praying to the Lord Jesus, to look down from Heaven and help your family at this difficult time.
Cynthia Jones
December 18, 2013 | Gary, IN
To Phyllis and family,
You have my deepest sympathy. I was home for thanksgiving and had no idea of John's passing. My prayers are with you. Would like to reach out to you. Please get in touch. I will be praying for God's strength and peace for you and the family.
Linda James-Horton
December 12, 2013 | Rex, GA
A good man has gone home to be with his Father. May God bless and console the family during their loss. I am eternally grateful for Sgt. John Jelks's work with the GPD.
Raymond Santare
December 09, 2013 | Highland, IN
To the Jelks family, we pray for the strength of God to be yours during this season. Know that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal!
Joyce Burns formerly of East Chicago
December 08, 2013
Integrity and honesty at its best . a trusted friend .
Richard Wilford. SR.
December 08, 2013 | San Diego, CA
You have our deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you all
Archie & Pam Moore
December 07, 2013 | Gary, IN
A man that helped (made) me get my life on track, I respected him for what he did!
Ron C
December 07, 2013 | Indianapolis, IN