J.D. Potts

J.D. POTTS, age 61, of Maple Park, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Friday, February 17, 2012. BORN: J.D. was born August 25, 1950 in Bernie, MO to Ezra and Ester Potts. EARLY YEARS:When J.D. was a child, his family moved to St. Charles, IL. Later, as a teenager, he would meet his first wife, whose family soon became his own. Even after they had gone their separate ways, her family stayed near and dear to him. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: As an adult, J.D. made his home in Maple Park for nearly 30 years. He spent those years making many memories and created friendships that would last a lifetime, before moving to Cherokee Village, Arkansas where he would spend the last few years with his companion and love Janet Cronin.OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:At a young age his interest in cars lead him to the world of auto body repair. J.D. spent his years as an auto body repair man, or as he put it, a "body man." He loved to work with his hands and bring life back into the cars he worked on, paying special attention to all the details as he worked. LIFE NOTES: J.D. had a special place in his heart for music. He especially enjoyed Classic and Blues Rock. Blues Rock influenced J.D. to play the drums and pick up a harmonica. While at home, you often found him dancing with his girls around the living room. His girls meant everything to him. He taught them how to be independent and always believe in themselves. The outdoors was a familiar place for him and the grill was no stranger. If you were invited over for a cookout, you would find J.D. in front of the grill with his "Chef J.D." apron on. When he was not in front of the grill, you could find him playing a round of horseshoes. Another thing he could not pass up was a good camping trip, as long as he could make a camp fire. If you ever wanted to go for a cruise, he would be the first to jump in the car with you. If there was a sunset in the distance, it made that road trip a little more special. J.D. was a "good time guy" who loved to be with people. He was always the life of a party, even when there was no party. SURVIVORS: He is survived by his three daughters: Christine Potts-Polyak and her husband Mike Cynthia Potts PerezAshley RuffnerTwo Granddaughters: Alex MaeSylvia GraceThree Sisters:Doris (Charlie) BallewFlora (Benny) StoneGloria (Tony) HugheyAnd Many Nieces and NephewsPRECEDED:He is preceded by his father Ezra Potts and his mother Ester Ambrose,One Brother: Bobby PottsHis mother-in-law Alice DenisonOne Grandson Dane Potts.VISITATION / FUNERAL A memorial service celebrating J.D.’s life will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 4:00pm at The Lions Club Shelter in Cortland Community Park, 70 South Llanos Street, Cortland, IL 60112. A time of fellowship and a meal will follow the service. MEMORIAL Tributes in J.D’s name may be made to Provena Hospice. Checks may be made to "Provena Hospice" 799 S. McLean Blvd., Suite 101, Elgin, IL 60123 or mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

His family will host a memorial service celebrating J.D.’s life on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 4:00pm at The Lions Club Shelter in Cortland Community Park, 70 South Llanos Street, Cortland, IL 60112. A time of fellowship and a meal will follow the service.