Jack A. Sala

Jack A. Sala of Pecatonica and Rockford Illinois, died of natural causes this May Day, 2024 surrounded by the loving spirit of his family and close friends. Jack was 58 years old.

Jack is survived by his mother, Linda J. Johnson, sister, Laura Sala, nieces, Kelsey (Arslan) Sala-Hamrick and Kimmie Sala-Hamrick, cat, Blackie, daughter, Katelyn, and many beloved friends. He is also survived by his first cousins, Terry (Jeff), Deanne (Michael), Suzy (David), & Steve (Beth), and numerous second, third and step cousins, aunts, Kristina and Kathy; and uncles, Todd and Bill. He was predeceased by his father, Jack Albert Sala, stepfather, Gregg C. Johnson and many loved pets, including recently his cat, the famous Shortey.

Jack was born on October 20, 1965, in Streator, Illinois to Linda (Andersen) Sala and Jack Albert Sala. He grew up in Rockford, Illinois, attending Church Elementary School and Wilson Middle School. A child of the 70s, Jack loved playing with Legos and toy cars and watching Sesame Street. He never missed watching a space shuttle launch.

Jack later went to Rockford Auburn High School where he enjoyed learning (except for spelling), sometimes attending classes, causing havoc, and wrestling on the team for the Knights. He was a member of the class of 1984 and was a proud Auburn Knight.

Jack was especially skilled in mechanical and technical arenas. In his early career he worked for Rockford Auto Parts, drove a tow truck and enjoyed working on cars, something he would continue throughout his life. At Sherwin Williams and Rockford Gunite Corporation he worked as a maintenance mechanic. He was enthusiastic about figuring things out and loved to tinker. He was also professionally interested in maintenance training, supervision, and planning – he enjoyed teaching and supporting others in developing their mechanical and technical skills. He was passionate about workers’ rights and enjoyed his role in the UAW Union.

Jack was smart and very inquisitive. Reflecting his love for science and nature, he enjoyed watching NOVA, Planet Earth and Star Trek. He was always researching new subjects, liked learning how things worked, and loved discussing current events and politics. He’d want us to tell you that you really should be listening to the “Stuff You Should Know” podcast. A huge music fan, Jack could often be found working in his garage listening to music. He loved all types of music. Some of his favorites and those recently on his playlists included the WHO, Van Morrison, Johnny Cash, Cake, Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac, Van Halen, Steely Dan, ACDC, Everclear, Red, Elton John, Steve Miller Band, Glen Campbell, Pink, and J.J Cale. His favorite author was Steven King, especially The Dark Tower Series.

Jack loved to cook and grill. He famously invented the Bojangle burger, a yummy stuffed burger best served fresh from the grill. He was an avid gardener and regularly harvested cucumbers, tomatoes, pumpkins, green beans and other vegetables. He loved nature and animals of all kinds, both pets and wildlife. He enjoyed walking around nature trails and spending time by water, especially the Kishwaukee river.

Jack was bedazzled by the children in his life, first by his two nieces and later by his daughter. The little kid in him would come out and he would sing and play games with them. His nieces really remember him being there to lend an ear or discuss a problem with. He was super proud of their accomplishments. More recently, one of his favorite things was playing Santa Claus at church (where he entertained the young at heart) and for friends' private parties. He really enjoyed when kids would see him at the grocery store and whisper that they saw Santa because of his long white beard.

Jack will be remembered for his joyful persona and zest for life. He was boisterous and fun, and he always had an opinion to give on something, a question to ask, a joke to tell, or a conversation to have. He could make you laugh and that was a gift. Jack liked to have fun. He could make friends with everyone he met. He especially enjoyed hanging out with his friends and was the life of the party. Jack had several very close friends, (you know who you are) and know that he loved and appreciated you dearly.

He also had a more zen side; Jack lived with his mom for the past several years, and he and she often enjoyed drinking coffee together in the mornings. They enjoyed shopping, gardening, and experimenting with new recipes to either to cook or grill. Jack was always around to lend a helping hand! He loved living on their land in Pecatonica, watching the view from the property, and sending his sister snapshots of the latest animal he spied.

A Celebration of Life will occur on Saturday August 17, 2024 from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the Fort Vincennes Shelter of the Kishwaukee Forest Preserve 5757 Blackhawk Road Rockford, IL. We hope you will join us for a simple meal, conversation, and fun.

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and love during this time. In the meantime, please celebrate Jack by donating to your favorite charity, making your own rendition of the Bojangle burger, or toasting him with a glass of Jack. Cheers