Jackie L “Jack” Gammon, 72, of Fairview Heights, IL, born Thursday, June 17, 1948; in Fairfield, IL, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 26, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Malinda, nee Carrell, Gammon; brother, Edward Gammon and brother-in-law, David Goodin.
Surviving are his:
- Wife: Eileen, nee Bruckner, Gammon (of 50 years) of Fairview Heights, IL
- Children
- Seth (Susan) Gammon of Houston, TX
- Christa (Zechariah) Wellman of Rogersville, MO
- Grandchildren
- Ayla Gammon
- Elias Gammon
- Sister: Pauletta Goodin of Carlyle, IL
- Brother: Terry (Geralyn) Gammon of Carlyle, IL
- Sister-in-law: Janet Gammon
- Many dear nieces and nephews in Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas
- Special family friends in Germany
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
J.R.R. Tolkien – The Fellowship of The Ring
Band, Baseball, Basketball, Boy Scouts, Breese Community High School Graduation: 1967, Department of the Navy: December 1967 – September 1971, Service in Vietnam, U.S. Navy Seabees: 1968 – 1970, Marriage to Eileen Bruckner: December 1970, Lifetime Masonic member: Scott Lodge #79 A.F.&A.M. Honorary Masonic member: East Lodge #504 A.F.&A.M., Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) career: 1971 SIUE Bachelor of Science and Engineering: March 1984, Father: 1979 & 1988, IDOT Retirement: 2002 (35 years & 7 months) Continued Civil Engineering consultant career: until approximately 2016, Grandfather: 2017 & 2020.
Many days filled with: black coffee with 2 creams, Facetime-calls-texts with loved ones, home projects & lawn mowing, gatherings in Clinton County, family vacations, cheering in bleachers, attending University graduations & achievements, embarking across the country to see kids on adventures, Euchre games, rainy porch sittings, sudoku puzzles, Pandora music, Netflix marathons, walks & lunch dates with Eileen, and all and more in between – but always with love.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Scott Lodge #79 A.F.&A.M., Carlyle IL, or The Mission Continues (non-profit for veterans).
COVID-19 restrictions will be followed, masks required, and social distancing. Please be respectful of time so others may pay their respects to the family too.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, April 30, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Services: Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral service at 7:20 pm, Friday, April 30, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rosemary Captain officiating supported by words from family. Live streaming can be viewed at www.facebook.com/KurrusFH at 7:20 pm. Private family interment.
12 Comments To "Jackie L “Jack” Gammon"
#1 Comment By Don Barnard On April 28, 2021 @ 3:52 pm
I knew and worked with Jack my entire career at IDOT. He was always cheerful and willing to lend a hand and pleasure to be around. So sorry to hear of his passing. Praying for your family.
#2 Comment By Scott Bateman On April 28, 2021 @ 6:13 pm
Jack had a big heart made of gold. He was always willing to provide any help needed. He will be missed.
#3 Comment By Jamie Huebner On April 28, 2021 @ 8:51 pm
Mr. Gammon, Papa Gammon, Red Hot: to know you was to both fear you (if you were a 7th grade basketball player) and to (mostly) love you. Thank you for all the sleepovers, dance dance revolution, and screeching girls you put up with at your house. I won’t forget your laugh or kindness. You are one of a kind and the world lost a little brightness but the sky gained a shining star.
#4 Comment By Mary Fries On April 29, 2021 @ 8:02 am
Condolences to the Gammon family. Jack was a great guy and I will always remember his laugh. He was my teacher for my Documentation position at IDOT and cared deeply about doing a good job. Walked with him at the mall. So sad.
#5 Comment By Mike Budnicki On April 29, 2021 @ 8:59 am
Worked with Jack At IDOT. He was a great guy to work with and learn from. Condolences to the family
#6 Comment By Marc Hundley On April 29, 2021 @ 11:12 am
My condolences to the Gammon family. Jack had a huge heart and a great smile! Always full of light. I got to know him at the end of his career with IDOT. Even at the end of his career he showed such work ethic. He would give you a good ribbing then turn around a teach you something you better remember for the next time. I ran into him a few times after he retired and still consulted. He would remember me, and go into a story just like there was no time between the last time we parted. He will be missed by many. Prayers for peace to those needing comfort.
#7 Comment By Joe Gilroy On April 29, 2021 @ 3:24 pm
Jack always had a warm greeting and was eager to share his construction knowledge to help his coworkers. Jack, rest in peace in God’s great unfathomable love.
#8 Comment By Wally and Nancy Ogle On April 29, 2021 @ 6:55 pm
What a wonderful guy. Always enjoyed getting together when we came back to Illinois. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
#9 Comment By Barry Gibbs On April 29, 2021 @ 9:28 pm
Eileen, Seth, Christa, I am so sorry. Jack was the big brother that I never had and wonderful friend. He took time and taught me so many things that I still use to this day. He surely will be missed. I pray that God will be with you.
#10 Comment By Leah D Wellman On April 30, 2021 @ 7:04 pm
It’s been almost a week since we lost you and it still doesn’t seem real. I and my family have been so blessed to know you Jack. I will always remember meeting the last time at the track meet here in Missouri. How loving and kind you and Eileen have been to my entire family but especially to my son Zech and his daughter Taylor. You both have welcomed them into your family and your hearts. You love, support and encouragement are priceless treasures I will always hold dear.
Much love and deepest sympathy to all of your family. Leah Wellman
#11 Comment By Paul Zimmerman On April 30, 2021 @ 8:14 pm
Jack was a great man. He and Eileen were always so welcoming to me as a teenager when I would come over to their house to hang out with Seth. I spent many nights there and I will never forget having venison chili for the first time there. While we were in college, Jack always had a smile and kind words for me when he came to visit Seth. Later in life, he was eager to inquire about my career and engage in conversation. I will remember Jack fondly always. Eileen, Seth and Christa, I am so sorry for your loss.
#12 Comment By Diane Bruckner On May 1, 2021 @ 12:27 pm
5/1/2021
Eileen and families, I just learned of Jack’s passing today and was so saddened by your/our loss. He was a great guy and was such a positive part of our family. We always enjoyed when we were able to get together with you guys. My dad, especially,always looked forward to meeting with you and talked of his times with you and Jack. It is such a loss for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time! Again, I’m so sorry for your loss. With me spending so much time overseas, I didn’t see you guys as often as when I was younger. Despite this, I will remember him fondly and will miss him!