- Date Of Birth: November 15, 1933
- Date Of Death: September 29, 2020
- State: Illinois
John F. Isaacs, 86, of Jacksonville, IL died Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by family.
He was born Nov. 15, 1933, in Alexander, the son of Henry H. and Hazel B. Summers Isaacs. He married Linda K. Mayberry on June 17, 1962, at Rev. Boston’s home in Jacksonville, and she preceded him in death on March 10, 2015.
Mr. Isaacs is survived by two daughters, Deirdre (Steven) Alexander of rural Roodhouse, and Tamara (Manish) Sumant of Springfield; four grandchildren, Le (Danny) Bailey of La Grande, OR, Randelle (Jason Ashley) Alexander of Springfield, Kristine Alexander of Roodhouse and Priya Sumant of Springfield; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Nicholas J. Alexander; three sisters, Alvera Frank, Helen Mayberry, and Cynthia Beck; and three brothers, Walter Isaacs, Samuel Isaacs, Hardin Isaacs.
He graduated from Franklin High School in 1952, was in the U.S. Navy from 1953-1957, serving on the USS Compton from 1954-1957, and was a member of the VFW.
After his discharge from the Navy, he attended Iowa State University for some time before returning to Central Illinois, and got a job at General Telephone (GTE) that became a 35 year career. While visiting his sister, Helen, in Jacksonville he met the love of his life, Linda Mayberry.
He was a member of IBEW Local 51 and also served as a Union Steward. He was a member of Brooklyn United Methodist Church for 38 years, serving as Treasurer for most of those years. He also enjoyed going to Explorer’s Bible Study with his wife and daughter Tamara, and never lost at Bible Trivia. He retired from GTE in 1995 and travelled with his wife to many states, National Parks and took several memorable cruises.
