John “Jack” Madura, 84, of Springfield, died at 7:08 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.
Jack was born Feb. 6, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of John and Esther (Songhurst) Madura. He married Judy Thomas on Dec. 28, 1965.
He was a proud graduate of Fenger High School on the South Side of Chicago, where he had the opportunity to play on Soldier Field as a quarterback. Jack went on to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Murray State University, where he met the love of his life, Judy. He continued his education and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Northern Illinois University. Jack and Judy shared 59 wonderful years together. Jack was a Professor of Arts from 1970-2002 at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois. He was an avid Chicago sports fan, always cheering for the Bears and Blackhawks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther; and sister, Virginia James.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Springfield, Illinois; daughters, Allison (Matt) Herbst and Megan Madura of Springfield, Illinois; sons, John and Scott Madura of Springfield, Illinois; grandchildren, Morgan of Kansas City, Missouri; Lukas of Chatham, Illinois; Thomas and Reaghan of Springfield, Illinois; and brother, Bob Madura of Palos Heights, Illinois.
Cremation was provided by Lincoln Land Cremation Society.
The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Illinois Food Bank.
Please visit www.lincolnlandcs.com to offer your condolences.
This article appears in July 24-30, 2025.
