Mike Biloz

1925 - 2009

Mike Biloz, long-time college history professor and lover of sport and song, died of a stroke on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, in the presence of his family in Atlanta. He was 84.
Mike (known to many as "Doc" and "Fish") received his master's degree from Albany State Teachers College in 1950, followed by his doctorate in history from Syracuse University in 1959. He taught at Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., until moving with his family to Jacksonville in 1965. There he taught history at MacMurray College for 27 years until his retirement in 1992.
Mike thrived on being active in the local community and engaging its youth. He enjoyed playing, coaching and refereeing a variety of sports, and he volunteered much of his free time promoting and assisting in youth activities through the Jacksonville YMCA. Mike was a friend and mentor to youth of all ages, through his individual efforts and through his membership in local organizations like Kiwanis and Indian Guides. His work with local youth and college students often involved making himself available at all hours to help those who needed it, whether simply by talking to them or putting them at ease by playing a game or sport. And his numerous personal stories, songs and jokes - whether at home, during lectures, at campus activities or at local establishments - were legendary.
Mike was also devoted to the causes in which he believed. After the loss of their son, Stephen, in 1983, he and his wife, Pat, helped to establish Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Morgan County. He worked actively with Jacksonville and Illinois police enforcement and government officials to strengthen drunk driving laws and penalties. His MADD efforts continued during retirement in North Fort Myers, Fla., where he also focused on helping his wife and others in their struggles with Parkinson's disease.
Mike was a soul mate to one, father to four and friend to all - a true role model. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father; a caring, encouraging and giving professor, coach and mentor; and a supportive, fun-loving and compassionate friend. Throughout his life Mike crossed social, racial, ethnic, geographic and political divides to reach out to others, offering them his love, wisdom, support and often a place to live. He led his family and his local community through both word and deed, setting an example for others by living life selflessly and to its fullest.
Mike Biloz is survived by his wife, Pat; his daughter, Ann; his sons, Dave and John; his sisters, Sal Georgi and Stef Bilik; and four grandchildren.
A memorial service and luncheon will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Sabal Springs Country Club in North Fort Myers, Fla. Official memorial services will also be held on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, at 1 p.m. at Annie Merner Chapel on the MacMurray College campus in Jacksonville, followed by a burial service at Diamond Grove Cemetery. Both the memorial and burial services are open to all family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Dr. Michael Biloz to the Stephen P. Biloz Scholarship fund at MacMurray College or to the National Parkinson Foundation. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.