Born: October 6, 1942 - Deceased: April 27, 2020
Julian (Jack) C. Carey, 77, of Belleville, IL, born October 6th, 1942, crossed over to the other side on Monday, April 27, 2020, after what can only be referred to as life well-traveled, or as Jack would put it, “it ain’t the years, it’s the miles.”
Jack is survived by his three kids: “the brothers,” Brian (Jean) Carey of Inverness, IL, and Christopher (Erica) Carey of Novato, CA; his “Lady Lauren” Lauren (Christopher) Urist of Westport, CT; and, of course, his dog, Jumbie, who’s currently the subject of a heated custody dispute.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Kay Carey, nee Hammel; his parents, Byrle and Helen Carey; his in-laws Clifford and Grace Hammel; and his dog, Razzee.
Jack was born in East St. Louis. He accomplished in his own words the “marrying up of the century” when he met his late wife Sue. Together they lived in St. Croix, Virgin Island; Peoria, Illinois; and eventually settled in Belleville.
Professionally, Jack worked as a lifeguard, in landscaping, in pawnshops, on Mississippi River barges, and as an English Professor at Bradley University. Ultimately, Jack maintained a private law practice, which saw him become one of the most well-respected lawyers in Illinois. We didn’t believe this either, however, we are provided with the following evidence: the many testimonials and notes received from his friends and clients, his ascension to the Presidency of the Illinois State Bar Association, and this podcast about Randy Lanier’s trial: <https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article232254362.html>
Personally, Jack was proudest of his brood; he absolutely cherished his seven grandchildren – Evelyn and Claire Carey, Emmet and Callan Carey, and Julian, Josephine, and June Urist. He took every opportunity to visit the families from East Coast to West Coast and enjoyed nothing more than the annual Carey Tribe gathering, which consisted of a Cardinal baseball game, dinner at Charlie Gitto’s (downtown location), and a trip to the cottage at the Lake of the Ozarks.
A combination of events such as when he and his friend were denied entry to a public swimming pool because of his friend’s religion and witnessing and becoming an active participant in the civil rights movement, Jack was nothing if not “true.” For this reason, he didn’t tolerate fools. However, for those of us who he could tolerate, you had no greater ally or friend.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Jack we simply ask the following: Call your family, friends, and tell them you love them, Donate to charities that ensure everyone has access to education and a voice (www.khanacademy.org <http://www.khanacademy.org> , www.aclu.org <http://www.aclu.org> , your local public school), Don’t half-ass things, it just pisses him off.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.kurrusfh.com <http://www.kurrusfh.com>. The funeral will be a private family interment due to the global pandemic. We look forward to holding a celebration of life, with themed koozies and t-shirts, on a safer date.
34 Comments
Jack can rest easy knowing his daughter, Lauren, will continue to kick a little ass of her own…just as she was raised to do. To Jack’s family, I’m terribly sorry for your loss; he was clearly one incredible guy and will be missed. His legend lives on in his amazing family. I only got to know Jack through the tales his daughter has shared during our very animated (20 min) lunch periods at school. The world lost one of the good guys. My most sincere condolences to all that loved him; especially to those that were lucky enough to call him dad, grandpa, and friend. Much love from CT.
Daddy Jack, what a human!
Beautifully written, I feel so privileged to have known him, I feel so lucky to have been on the receiving end of his wonderful bear hugs, and I feel so honored to know that I could call on him for anything, to have been one of his allies.
Y’all are amazing. Brian & Christopher, sending you and your families all the love and healing energy I can. Lady Lauren, best wishes with the coy.
Love,
Lauren, the Lighter
Brian, Christopher, and Lauren,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. He was a good one! I loved babysitting the three of you! Many days/nights babysitting you and how well behaved you all were, show what great parents/examples you had.
You have my deepest sympathies.
Sue Bosworth
Sorry to hear about Jack. He was always a special person to us. We will be thinking of you during this tough time. He will be missed.
Randy and Jane Hamm
My memories growing up on Hazel by y’all, followed up by years of visiting you in the CC and going to the lake bring up such cherished childhood times. Both of your parents were true gems and I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts, prayers and love are sent to you and all of your kids during this time.
Love,
Kate Taylor aka Katie Rodman
I knew Jack through Illinois State Bar Association activities and in more recent years as the leader he was as a Director and most respected (and colorful) voice in the leadership of the Illinois State Bar Mutual Insurance Company. In a way we are like family and his loss is felt deeply.
The thoughts expressed here by family and the obituary say it all.
He will be greatly missed by me and my daughter Kelli who became his friend at many activities.
Bob Downs, President, 2005-6, Illinois State Bar Association.
I worked at the St. Clair County Court House for 26 years so I got to know Jack pretty good over the years through the Circuit Clerk’s office. He was one of the best. Every time I saw him, he had a smile on his face.
When I retired, he personally came to say goodbye to me. He forever touched my heart.
My deepest condolences to Jack’s family. He was truly one of a kind.
Our legal community is saddened with the unexpected news of the death of our friend and colleague Jack Carey. Jack and I served on the ISBA Board of Governors together and I served as Treasurer the year he served as President. Jack “told it like it was” never holding back how he felt on a subject. The year he served as President he was prone to say, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way!”Good advice. Rest In Peace my friend. You will be missed?
His infectious smile. His quick wit. His selfless manner.
I have some wonderful memories of Jack.
And I only knew him for a few short years as an ISBA vendor.
Dear Jack’s family and close friends, no doubt you have a million times more!!
I pray those memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Brian, Christopher, Lauren
I met Jack at parents weekend at NU where Brian and my son, David were fraternity brothers. We had an instant connection
as Illinois attorneys who were sole practitioners.Our paths crossed infrequently but the catch up was always easy and fun.
When jack was running to be President of the ISBA, I was able to help him in DuPage County.
We had dinner together on several occasions. More recently, I had a dispute with my E&O carrier and Jack was on the Board
and helped me work things out satisfactorily. When Jack was on your side, you had a formidable ally.
I will miss your Dad and he will be missed by all the solo and small firm practitioners who he championed.
I used to go to St Louis each summer and enjoy a Cardinal game with Jack-we remained devoted Cards fan through the years. At the time, I only knew him as a fellow plaintiff”s attorney but admired his frank and charming outlook on life.
Only when we both served on the ISBA Insurance Co. Board did I come to realize his commitment to do right by all people, and his undeterred determination to pursue his beliefs.The comment that he did not serve fools lightly is totally appropriate.
As soon as the virus allows, I am going to St Louis to watch a Cardinal game. I’m going to buy two seats.
Brian, Christopher and Lauren: I worked as a legal secretary for your father in the early 1980s in East St. Louis. I so admired his devotion to his family, his fun-loving spirit (he was popular with all the secretaries in the lunch room), and especially his kindness. He helped me during a difficult time in my life and I will never forget his generosity. He has been on my mind for the past few days, and I decided to google him only to find the sad news that he recently passed. I trust he has be reunited with your mother. My sincere condolences to you. May your loving memories of your dad give you some comfort during this difficult time.
Sally Fitzgerald, Amherst, NY
I first met Jack in 1974 when I began work as a legal aid attorney with Land of Lincoln Legal Aid in East St. Louis. He was a law student intern there who had already helped dozens if not hundreds of low income people with their legal problems. We became friends and remained friends for the 46 years since then. While I stayed on at legal aid, Jack went on to private practice and bar leadership. But he always remained a friend of Land of Lincoln, serving on our board as a member and officer, as well as giving unselfishly of his time as a pro bono lawyer. And when he met one of our new lawyers at a bar association meeting, he always told them about his time at Land of Lincoln, and about his own deep devotion to legal aid for the poor. I will miss his friendship. I will miss his sly sense of humor. I will miss his wonderful smile.
I worked with Jack only a short time, but he never forgot. Always a gentleman and always a mensch. The good guys aren’t here long enough.
Our condolence to the family. We have the pleasure of knowing Lauren and can see that Jack’s great and loving legacy lives on. May he rest in peace. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack was a fine person and an excellent attorney. I had the pleasure of working with Jack on a number of challenging cases and he was always up to the task.
My condolences to the Jack Carey family.
Dear man, how I always looked forward to seeing you. Time spent in your company was more pleasant than any other. I thank you you for your gifts in humor and generosity, in genuine concern for others and thoughtfulness outside yourself. I just hung the hummingbird feeder you gave me and had my first ruby throated visitor. How I looked forward to telling you.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jack when I was an employee of the MAC. I worked with him on several Illinois Bar events. He was one of a kind! Truly one of the good guys. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear the world lost Mr. Carey too soon. Mr.Carey was one of my favorite members at the Mo.Athletic Club. He would always stop in before a Billikens game for an appt and glass of Sauvignon blanc and said I’ll see you after for dinner. I speak on behave of our JBG staff- he was always cheerful, kind and respectful of the employees. The world has lost a good man. Mr. Carey his stylish glasses and great smile will be missed! Sincere Condolences to his family. ????. Kelly Schaper
My condolences to his family. I knew Jack from the Mo. Athletic Club, always friendly, had a smile on his face, he always ask about my family. A gentlemen, a scholar, a friend. We spent a lot of time just talking in the locker room. He always made time for you.
Mike York
I was Jack’s personal trainer at the MAC. He was one of my all time favorite clients. We spent hours chatting each time we saw each other and I never stopped smiling when in his presence. He will be missed terribly. I will remember him always, especially since we named one of our twin boys Julian 🙂
Jack was truly a great guy. We tried cases against each other and served on hearing boards for the ARDC together. He was a kind and generous man and had a heart of gold. Whenever we saw each other he always made me feel like a close friend. He will be sorely missed. RIP my friend.
Brian, Christopher and Lauren so very sorry for your loss of a great father. I have known Jack since high school. He was always fun to be with and lively. We would chat about his place in Florida or trips to Colorado when he would order airline tickets. Might discuss how we wanted our teens driving hunky big safe cars or basketball. You are in my thoughts and prayers as I know how much he loved you. He is shaking up heaven and happy to be back in the arms of your Mom.
I have spent the past week lost in memories of my first years teaching English at Bradley Unversity, sharing an office with Jack Carey. The early seventies—at least in Peoria, Illinois—were an extension of the 1960s, and our office was, in a word, “cosmic.” I have photos. And memories of classes, politics and parties. Jack was a hero to students and to me. We both contribute to the character and early adventures of John Charles Creed, “Jack of Hearts” (cf. Bob Dylan), the protagonist of Andrew Tucker’s novel Harassment: A Novel of Ideas (available on line at harassment-novel.com). Jack had significant academic credentials—only a month ago I was sharing his essay on Langston Hughes’ Jesse B. Semple with my American Literature students. After he headed off to law school, Jack and I remained connected, but once I moved to Minnesota, socializing became more difficult. I do not miss Peoria, but I do miss some of my Peoria students, and I surely miss Jack. He was one of the good ones, part of the good times.
Brian, Chris and Lauren,
We were saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing and wish to extend our condolences.
As neighbors, parents of classmates and fellow school board members, we shared many experiences together. Your Dad was always willing to speak his opinion and back it up with his beliefs, you always knew where you stood with him as he didn’t shadow box! His willingness to get involved, with empathy for others, served him and his community well. I will miss our now rare discussions but, will forever be grateful that we crossed paths and became friends.
Best wishes to you and your families,
Vicky & Terry Schaefer
Jack and I served the Bar Association for decades. When last we met in St. Louis, we were both sporting pony tails over the collar. He pulled on mine and said “ We’re getting the band back together!” I replied “ Right On , brother!”
During my time as MAC General Manager, 1992/2012, I enjoyed Jack’s friendship and counsel. He loved his club and life itself.
He offered a firm handshake, ready smile and a warm heart.
My kind of guy!
Larry L. Thompson
Jack was a gentleman and kind. He got me on a committee of ISBA. My office was a block from his. Those who got to know him are far richer for it. He was always willing to help me & listen. I am sorry to learn of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Deepest condolences to the entire Carey clan. We were Jack’s next door neighbor at the Lake of Ozarks for 30 years. Nothing but good memories of our times together, from evening cocktails to watching him sail away in his sunfish(wondering if he would return) to always having an extra bottle of tonic water if I needed it. He was a good friend and counsel. He truly will be missed and I am sure he would probably want “Big Johnson” tee shirts at his celebration, those seemed to be his favorite at the Lake. Jack.
It was a pleasure reading the comments and getting to know and admire Jack Carey.I always knew where Jack was on any
issue and I enjoyed being on his team.I will miss Jack and I’m sure everyone will.Men like Jack don’t come around often enough.Iam so happy that we became friends.
Jack was the most consistently “upbeat” person I have known. I saw him rarely after our years together as fraternity brothers in college, but I followed his fine career; and most of all I cherish the memory of Jack’s infectious laugh and his enjoyment of his friends.
Jack mentored a few of us through Bradley University and life in Peoria Illinois. I am forever grateful I found him and remained friends with him all these years. My last email from his was 4/23/2020 and I am in shock today 7/2/2020 to learn it will be my last. We had so many things still to discuss. Thank you for the breath of fresh air you provided to us since the early 70’s you will forever be a teacher, an educator and a friend.
I first met Jack at the MAC Spinning Class, He gave me support when I first started, and I always enjoyed our conversations. I’ll miss Jack. A great guy!
I was so lucky to have had Jack as an English professor at Bradley int the late 60’s. I invited him and Sue and his office partner and his wife to my wedding. Jack was intrigued by and teased me to death for this big Jewish wedding my parents were giving their little hippie. He inspired thinking, reading, doing, loving and living.. He was a cool dude back then and stayed true to course. My condolences…cherish those memories