Jack Sheaffer left this world Wednesday morning having spent his last days here in the presence of his family and in the midst of warmth and love and fond recollections. The twenty-two months following his wife Verna's passing were brightened by the frequent and routine companionship of his daughters Becky Garrett, Lois Sheaffer, and Nancy Waterman. Their love always brought a smile to his face.

Jack began his remarkable journey in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania as one of seven children born to Samuel Sylvester Sheaffer, Jr. and Amy Jane Hocking. He cut his teeth and various cuts of meat in his father's butcher shop where one of his daily goals was to make people smile. Jack's formal education took him from high school at East Lampeter to Millersville State College (now Millersville University), to a doctoral degree from the University of Chicago.

Jack and Verna married in 1965. Along with Verna's four children, Cliff, Russ, Nancy, and Becky, they began their life together in Carol Stream. Soon they were joined by Jack's children, Jane, John II, Ron, and Lois. In the early 1970's, Jack accepted a position in the Pentagon as Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Army and the family moved to Alexandria, Virginia. While there, Mark "the caboose" was born. After two years in Washington, the family returned and settled in Wheaton, building a house on West Street, where Jack cultivated a productive vegetable garden year after year. Bearing witness to his mantra, "waste is a resource out of place" ne'er a grass clipping or dead leaf left the yard.

Professionally, Jack advanced environmental causes, most notably related to wastewater and flood plain management. He's written several books, most recently "The Water Factory," co-written and illustrated by his son Ron, and has received other recognition for these achievements.

Jack was active in Boys Brigade, served on the United Way, coached little league. At the Wheaton Bible Church, he was a bit of a pioneer in starting an adult Sunday School class for single adults – folks who didn't feel quite at home in small groups dominated by married couples. Through the Single Adults class, many, many people were united in friendship and often marriage.. Jack and Verna would graciously host this boisterous and fun-loving group (they took after their teacher) on a regular basis in their home. And every Saturday night, you could find Jack on his recliner or at his desk, outlining the next day's lesson. His great passion for Christian involvement in politics resulted in the DuPage County Christmas Prayer Breakfast which he began in 1974. This event grew to fill Indian Lakes dining room, expressing to government officials that Christians were praying for them

Jack Sheaffer was bright and hard-working, competitive, athletic, passionate, loved a good spirited debate, loved to laugh and tell a good joke. Above all he was kind. He made sure to greet everyone he passed with a smile and a kind word. "You never know," he'd say, "what kind of day they're having. Your kindness could make all the difference."

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Verna, his daughter Jane, 3 brothers and one sister. He leaves behind eight children:John Sheaffer (Suzie), Ron Sheaffer (Cheryl), Lois Sheaffer, Mark Sheaffer (Madelene), Cliff Brown (Jackie), Russ Brown, Nancy Waterman (Doug), Becky Garrett (Matt) as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And he leaves the world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Marek and Julie Hancik through Titus International 3715 McBrien Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37412 or SCARCE 799 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Visitation will be at Windsor Park 124 Windsor Park Dr., Carol Stream, IL Monday Dec. 26 beginning at 2 pm. A memorial service will follow at 4 pm in the auditorium.