John "Jack" Stuart Fox

“Jack” Fox, lifelong resident of Wilmette, reached the end of his trail on earth on September 25, 2024, at the age of 99. Like the true woodsman he was, he left behind markers to all who had the pleasure to know him. Born in Chicago, he moved to Wilmette in 1936 at the age of 11 and lived in the family home at 8th and Forest until he married and then later returned to raise his family. He lived there until his death. He was born February 4th 1925 to Stuart K. and Ruth (Bartels) Fox. He adored his parents and his younger brother William “Bill” Fox, who preceded him in death. He attended Stolp school, Howard Junior High, and New Trier High school. It was while at New Trier, as he co-wrote and performed in the Lagniappe productions, that he discovered his talent for entertaining. He became known as the “Foxy Magician,” and was performing magic acts professionally for small venues by the age of 15. This hobby developed into a lifelong interest. His love of magic kept his mind sharp and his hands agile well into his 90’s. Although shy as a child, he developed into quite an entertainer, storyteller, and Master of Ceremonies who was always the hit of the party.

Jack fondly attributed his growth from youth into manhood to his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America. He joined Troop 2 in Wilmette at the age of 12 and was an active member in scouting for 87 years. He reached the rank of Eagle Scout with three Palms (15 merit badges past the 21 required). Perhaps his greatest honor was receiving the Silver Beaver, for Outstanding Service to Youth, which is the highest honor bestowed on a volunteer at the Council level. He was recognized for many other achievements with multiple awards throughout his scouting career. His age was never a factor. He earned his Woodbadge Beads on a backpacking course at the Philmount Scout Ranch at the age of 63. He would tell you that all the time spent in scouting as a boy and a man was a fulfilling and marvelous experience. He said “the many hours I’ve put into the program does not begin to measure what I have personally received from it.” The scouting program was the catalyst for his lifelong love of the outdoors.

Jack loved his country and was honored to serve in the United States Army. He was drafted in 1943 at the age of 18 and served in E (Easy) Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division during WWII. He served 3 years in active duty, which included combat in Germany. He was awarded a Bronze Star for heroic achievement. He continued in the reserves until 1957, retiring at the rank of Captain. As he shared his war stories with family and friends later in his life, it illuminated the depth of his commitment and the courage that was inherent within this greatest generation. Our country, and those we liberated, should never forget their sacrifice.

After WW II, he formed Explorer Post 2, an emergency service corps unit comprised of high school aged scouts. What started with a crew of 8 scouts, attracted patrols from other local explorer programs and eventually grew to have over 30 members. These young men (eventually included women) trained and served the community for over 20 years. Jack’s passion for leadership was passed down to several generations through those who served with and under him during this time. Out of this group, lifelong friendships were formed, with a shared love for the outdoors and community service. This became the catalyst for many other adventures together with these comrades throughout his life.

Jack enrolled at Northwestern University in 1942. After his freshman year he left to go to war and returned to complete his degree in Business Psychology after the war in 1948. He chose to attend Northwestern, as this is where his mother had graduated from in 1919. He was active in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and gained many long-lasting friendships during those days.

Jack’s professional career, like most commitments he made, lasted decades. He worked for the Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation for 37 years and successfully managed the Chicago sales office. His charming and engaging personality proved to be very persuasive in the world of sales. He turned down many opportunities for promotions, which would have meant moving his family out of Wilmette. He was never willing to sacrifice raising his family, in what he saw as an ideal community, for a higher rung on the corporate ladder. In 1979 Jack was truly honored and surprised when he was presented with the “Senior Fellow,” award for the outstanding contribution to the corporation. This was the first time it had ever been awarded to a salesperson. Although dedicated to his career, it was never a driving force in his life.

Jack’s passion for outdoor adventures began in scouting and this beloved pastime enriched his entire life. From family camping trips to big game hunting trips, to Canadian fishing and wilderness canoe trips, he was at home in the woods. He loved leading others into the wilds and teaching them all he had learned along the way. His strong personality and organizational skills had a way of calling others to follow along on his adventures. In 1985 he gathered a group of friends and fellow outdoorsmen to form what eventually became the “Fox Brigade.” That first trip that began with 6 guys and 3 canoes, grew to up to 20 men at a time on a trip. Trying to calculate the number of Fox Brigade members is a difficult task. One might estimate as many as 100 or more members overall. Different members of this group joined him annually on the river for 39 years to paddle, camp, share stories and toast to their accomplishments and friendships. Outliving many of these men, his loyal voyagers have been lifelong friends and companions. Fourteen members of The Fox Brigade gathered at his house for the annual canoe trip dinner, just two weeks before his death. He hosted and toasted to another time together. It was a wonderful time filled with stories, smiles and comradery.

If asked, he would tell you that with all his adventures and accomplishments, his love for his wife and family would have been his greatest joy. He was committed to providing for and raising his family more than anything. He desired to influence and pass on his heritage to his children and the generations that followed them. Jack was the loving husband to the late Joan Benner for 63 years. They married June 26, 1948. They raised three children, the late Stuart K., Virginia “Ginny” (Duane Wilson), and Elizabeth “Betsy” (Paul Helmer). Jack leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Michael (Annie) Fox, Brian Fox, Katie Wilson (Ryan Mckinsey), Jack (Ashlee) Helmer, Paul, and Ruthie Helmer. He leaves 5 great grandchildren, Harper and Madelyn Fox, Annaliese and Brooklynn McKinsey, and Joan Helmer. He took great pride in all his family.

We are thankful for the experiences and the memories we shared with him, which give us cause for celebration. Our hearts overflow with gratitude to his dedicated caregivers, whose loving and capable hands allowed him to stay in his home until his death. His influence in our lives has left a legacy behind that will be with all of us for many years to come. Fortunately, he recorded most of his life story in a book titled “A Back Azimuth,” which he completed in 2006. As our memories fade, we will have a written record of his life to cherish.

Jack looked at his life as an adventure from start to finish. He lived well, contributed much, and left a well-marked trail behind him for others to follow. We salute him appropriately for all he gave us while he was here, and we count ourselves fortunate to have been part of his patrol during his service here on earth. The “end of the trail” marker, as taught in the Boy Scout Field Book, was a circle drawn on the ground with a dot or rock placed in the center.

This sign indicates that “I have gone home.”

Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 10, 3:00 PM at Kenilworth Union Church, 211 Kenilworth Avenue, Kenilworth, IL 60043. For those who are unable to attend, the service will be recorded and livestreamed. Please see link below to view stream.

A Party for Jack will follow at Evanston Golf Club, 4401 Dempster Street, Skokie, IL 60076

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of the following organizations:

Northeast Illinois Council Boy Scouts of America, designated for the “Jack Fox Memorial Fund for Camp Ma-ka-ja-wan”, 850 Forest Edge Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, www.neic.org, contact Rebecca Minsley, Senior Development Director.

Or

The Army Historical Foundation, Attn: Katy Reyes, 1775 Liberty Drive Suite 400, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, www.armyhistory.org, designated in memory of Captain John Stuart Fox, AUS-Ret.