John (Jack) Colby, 87, passed away on December 20, 2021, at FHN Hospital in Freeport, Illinois.

Jack was born in Chicago on November 9, 1934. He attended grade school at Our Lady Academy in Manteno, Illinois, graduated high school in 1952 from St. Bede Academy in Peru, Illinois, and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Loyola University in Chicago.

Jack married Candace (Candy) Seekamp in 1969 in Chicago. Jack was employed as an editor for Commerce Clearing House, a publishing firm based in Chicago, working in Chicago and northern California. Jack retired in 1990 and he and Candy moved to Eagle River, Wisconsin. While residing in Eagle River, Jack was never idle, delivering Meals on Wheels, driving a school bus, working part-time at the local radio station and was an active member of the Vilas County Democrats. Even though a city boy, Jack cheerfully helped Candy care for her horses over the years. Jack and Candy moved to Freeport, Illinois, in 2014.

Jack was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, Loyola Ramblers and Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed tennis, walking, ping pong, bicycling, big band music, reading nonfiction and following politics. Always upbeat, Jack was blessed with many wonderful friends, old and new, and loved good conversation over a glass of wine. Known for his Irish wit, he was always ready with a joke, a pun, or a story. He is survived by his wife, Candy, of Freeport, Illinois, and cousin, Marilyn Colby, of St Lambert, Quebec. A memorial service for Jack will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Freeport, Illinois, later in the year.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save the Tabernacle, Inc., P.O. Box 725, Freeport, IL 61032 (https://savethetabernacle.com).