John W. Skaggs

Age 66 of Coal City, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Morris Hospital.

Born January 17, 1959 in Carbondale, Illinois, John William is the son of Carolyn (Whittington) and the late John M. Skaggs. He was raised in Pekin, Illinois and graduated from Pekin Community High School with the Class of 1977. On July 14, 1979, John married his high school sweetheart, Karen Suzanne Massey, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin. Together they settled in Pekin, Illinois where they established themselves and started their family.

John began his career with Caterpillar Tractor company in November of 1977, holding employment with the company at several of their locations until his well earned retirement in September of 2020. In 1987, he completed his Bachelor's Degree at Bradley University and furthered his education by achieving a Master's Degree in 1993 with Eastern Illinois University. It was after John completed his education that his family relocated to Coal City which they have called home for the past 30 years.

He was a well-established member of Coal City United Methodist Church where he contributed much of his time to several committees, most notably with the building and grounds and became the "go to guy" for any maintenance need. John took great pride in maintaining the beauty of the church, both inside and out, planting most of the trees on the new church property and tending to the church prayer garden. John volunteered his time with the Coal City Food Pantry and the Meals on Wheels Program, and was always available to lend a helping hand, finding purpose in supporting others.

His home and family were always on the forefront of his mind. John was meticulous in the care of his home, particularly with the landscaping. He always made an impression with his dutiful efforts to maintain a beautiful home. John loved being outdoors, whether it was working in the yard or out at the Coal City Area Club fishing, he found peace in being with nature. Above all was his family, always the devoted son supporting his mother on a regular basis, and being the best husband, father, and papa anyone could ask for. John has left us all too soon, but his legacy of service, hard work, and family will continue to resonate for years to come.

Survivors include his mother, Carolyn Skaggs of Pekin, and his wife of 46 years, Karen Skaggs of Diamond; five children: Mary (Adam) Essary of Minooka, IL, John C. Skaggs of Chicago, IL, Michael (Nina) Skaggs of Coal City, IL, David (Erin) Skaggs of Naperville, IL, and Suzanne (Brian) Powell of Channahon, IL; eleven grandchildren: Clara, Evan, Kirstyn, Landen, Noah, Addison, Maisey, Sophia, Anna, Liam, and Lainey; one sister, Catherine Bailey of Clinton, IA, his father-in-law, Eugene Massey of Pekin, IL, brothers-in-law: Richard (Chris) Massey and Scott (Teresa) Massey, both of Pekin, IL, as well as several aunts and uncles and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his father, John M. Skaggs, mother-in-law, Joann Massey, brother-in-law, John Massey, and his maternal grandparents, Charles and Catherine Whittington.

The family will receive friends at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street, in Coal City on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 East McArdle Road, on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Jay Regennitter will officiate, and burial will follow at Braceville Gardner Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in John's memory to the Coal City United Methodist Church or to the Coal City Food Pantry.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share John’s memorial page online through social media

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)