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John J. “Jeff” Willliams, age 79, of Sugar Grove, Illinois and Hayward, Wisconsin passed away May 25, 2026, from an unexpected aortic rupture.
He was born April 28, 1947, in Berwyn, Illinois, the son of John S. and Barbara A. (Mlyniec) Williams.
After graduating from the class of 1965 Kaneland High School, Jeff attended Northern Illinois University before enlisting in the U.S Army and remained on standby for Vietnam until becoming a stateside officer (Military Police) from 1969 – 1971. He began working as a roofer before co - owning 2 gutter businesses in the Fox Valley Area. He worked very hard his entire life till retirement in 2021, as a General Contractor owning Williams Builders, Williams Building and Land, Air Supreme LLC that built 194 heated airplane hangars at the Aurora Airport called Skyline Hangars, and maintaining a 50 year loyal partnership named THILL, SWEENEY, and WILLIAMS, that still exists, developing substantial land and building some of the finest homes and buildings across a 3 county area.
Jeff was an avid animal lover, downhill skier, scuba diver/instructor, fisherman, sailor of the sea, snowmobiler, and HO model train enthusiast, but his greatest passion of all was being a pilot flying airplanes, especially WWII vintage aircraft for which he will always be remembered and respected for.
He is survived by his loving wife and business partner of nearly 20 years, Mary Alice “Maj” (Johnson)Williams of Sugar Grove, Illinois and Hayward, Wisconsin.
His brother, Michael D. Williams (Anne Fleagle) of St. Paul, Minnesota, his sister, Barbara J. Kester (Thomas) of Palmyra, Virginia, two nephews, G. Michael Williams and Keith Garvin and one niece, Koki D. Williams, plus many dear relatives, partners in business, fellow aviators, and friends across the United States.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Interment will be private.
God Speed and Fly high Jeff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to The AIR CLASSICS MUSEUM, of 44W546 US ROUTE 30, Sugar Grove, Illinois 60554 would be appreciated.
Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva. For more information 630-232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John J. "Jeff" Williams, please visit our floral store.