Obituary of John Jacob Theis

John Jacob "Jake" Theis, age 91, passed away peacefully at the Gardens of Park Pointe in Morris on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Jake was born on February 12, 1933, in Mission, TX to the late Nick and Lilly Theis. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Jake was a longtime employee of BP/Amoco, working as a chemical plant operator. He started his work, originally for Standard Oil in Texas, then was transferred to Joliet Illinois, where he and his family settled in Morris. Jake returned to Texas while still working for Amoco in 1977. Jake retired in May 2001. He returned to Morris in 2017. Jake also enjoyed farming the family’s land he lived on while growing up. He returned to farming for a family friend after coming to Illinois. In the little free time he did have, he also enjoyed gardening, and playing poker and dominoes.

Jake is survived by his three children, Beth (Rich) Ferrara, Mike (Mary Kay) Theis, and Tom Theis; his grandchildren Rik Ferrara (Amanda Bajaw), Brett (Rosemary) Ferrara, Jacob Theis (Mandee Halm), Erin (Justin) Knapp, and Ryne Theis; his 14 great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert Theis.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Theis; his parents Nick and Lilly; and three sisters, Katie, Dora, and Mary.

All friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Jake's life with a Memorial gathering on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. U.S. Route 6 (at Deerpath Drive), Morris, from 4 until 6 p.m., when military honors will be conducted by the United States Army. As it was his final wish, cremation rites have been accorded, and Jake will be laid to rest alongside his wife Marjorie in Texas. For more information, please call 815-942-5040, or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com. In lieu of flowers please donate to Lightways Hospice, Amvets, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.