John "Jack" Strong

John “Jack” Strong passed away peacefully August 11, 2023.  He was born April 12, 1936 in Cortland, NY to Harold and Helen Strong.

Survivors include his daughter, Suzanne (Robert) Pedigo of Batavia, IL; grandchildren, Kayleigh and Hannah Pedigo and Ryan, Emily, and Heidi Strong; and great grandchildren, Mason Pedigo, and Elliot and William Strong.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Carolyn; and his son, John Strong Jr.

Jack grew up in Dryden, NY.  He received his B.S. from Syracuse University in 1957 and immediately became employed by the Kemper Insurance Company, where he spent his entire career.  After spending 27 years in various positions and locations in NYC, he transferred to Decatur, IL to “head up” the Federal Kemper Insurance Co. and retired as President and CEO when the company was sold in 1993.

During the 25 years in Decatur he was very active in the community.  He was a member of the Country Club of Decatur and The Decatur Club; and was on the Board and served as President of both organizations.  Jack was also on the board at Decatur Memorial Hospital and served as President.  He was active in the United Way for over 23 years and was President of the United Way of Illinois from 1980-1983.  In 1998 he was awarded the Charles A. Bane Humanitarian Award of Excellence.  Jack was a Trustee of the James Millikin Estate from 1994-2002.  He was on the Board of the Metro Decatur Chamber of Commerce for two terms and served as its President.

Jack spent 11 years in the US Army Reserves as an officer in the Artillery and received an honorable discharge as Captain in 1969.

Jack and Carolyn moved to Sun City Huntley in 2000 to be near their children and grandchildren.  They enjoyed traveling; drove to Alaska twice (driving on to the Artic Ocean) and spent a night in all 50 states and most of the Canadian Providences.  They also traveled to Europe and Asia.

Visitation will be from 3pm until the memorial service at 4pm Friday, August 18 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave (Route 176) Crystal Lake.

Memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made to First Congregational United Church of Decatur, 3465 N. MacArthur, Decatur, IL 62526.