Jeffrey MacNeal Gring, also known as "Picasso with a Chainsaw", age 54, most recently a resident of Carol Stream, died in a crane accident on Friday, September 19, while on a job in St. Charles. He was born December 23, 1953 in Englewood, NJ.

Jeff grew up on Long Island, in Northport, NY. He was 16 years old when his father taught him the art of tree work. He started his own business when he still couldn't drive and his mother had to drive him to jobs. He was in the tree business for 39 years and he was an expert in every aspect of tree work. His company's name was JMG Tree Company, and when asked what JMG stood for he would say, "It stands for 'Whatever it takes!'" He was a master mechanic and was a genius in crafting equipment to reach higher and further than anyone else in the art of tree work. As a result he had equipment that no one else did. Jeff committed himself endlessly to the love of his craft and the care of his family. Bottom line: he was a provider in every sense of the word and in every area of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; his children, Sarah (Adam) Wilhelmi of Syracuse, NY; Hannah Gring of Wheaton, IL, and Zachary Gring of Carol Stream, IL; his step-children, whom he loved as his own; his mother, Ruth McEvoy of Northport, NY; his grandson, Seth Wilhelmi; his brother, Scott (Linda) Gring of Clay, NY; his sister, Dana (Tim) Wall of Wheaton, IL; and his nieces, Heather and Aryn Gring, and Jessica, Meredith, Emma, and Victoria Wall; and his nephews, Robert, and Rexford Wall.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Gring.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 23, from 3-9 P.M. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 24, at 11:00 A.M. at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., in Wheaton. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Jeff Gring Family Fund, c/o 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187.