Charles III

Charles David Jeffries, III

Age 71 of Wilmington, passed away Friday March 1, 2013 at Manor Care of Kankakee.

Born August 9, 1941 in Joliet, Charles was a son of the late Charles David Jeffries, Jr. and Lydia Spangler Jeffries. He was raised and educated in Wilmington, and at an early age, displayed an interest in antiques, making his first purchase at the age of 8. It was soon thereafter in his youth that Charles opened and operated Chuck's Record Store, which was inside his parents appliance store. Charles graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1959, and later went onto become an Alumni of Illinois State University. In May of 1967, Charles married Suzanne Sutherland in Saint Edwards Episcopal Church in Joliet and together they owned and operated Paraphernalia Antiques in Wilmington. Chuck imported antiques from Europe for many years; taught 25 years with Wilmington School District 209-U, and owned and operated the Dry Cleaners at Wilmington Speedwash for numerous years, all while remaining very active in the community. He was involved in the original beginnings of Catfish Days; served on the Wilmington City Council as an Alderman, and was a founding member of both the Wilmington Area Historical Society (WAHS) and Wilmington Area Antique Dealers Association (WAADA). Chuck taught classes on antiques and collectibles at Joliet Junior College, and saw several of his students continue on to later open their own antique shops. He was involved with the renovation of the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet and was a recipient of the Frederick Bartleson Award for Community Excellence in 1979. Chuck greatly enjoyed music; played both the French horn and baritone, and was a member of the Wilmington Band. It was in 1999 that Chuck was diagnosed with Cancer, therefore leading him to become housebound. Chuck will not only be remembered by his family's gift of the fountain, which was installed in Claire's Corner at Route 53 and Water Street, but for his memorable and contagious laugh.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years Suzanne Jeffries; daughter Jennifer (Dustin) Wells and sons: Charles D. Jeffries, IV and Ryan (Jennifer) Jeffries, all of Wilmington; four grandchildren: Tyler Wells, Caroline Wells, Jessica Jeffries and Halie Jeffries; one sister Sharon (John) Crichton of Custer Park; one brother Ken (Irene) Jeffries and his brother-in-law Henry (Diane) Bale, both of Wilmington and numerous nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Eugene and one sister Kathleen.

Cremation rites have been accorded per Chuck's wishes. The family will receive friends on Wednesday March 6, 2013 from 3:00PM until time of Memorial Service 7:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Pastor Mark Moon from the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington will officiate.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Chuck's memory to his family for distribution to local charities of their choosing.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Matthew R. Baskerville, CFSP. (815/476-2181)