John Elliott Sr
Age - 81
December 6, 2023
John Alfred Elliott, Sr. of Naperville, Illinois passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2023. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, mentor, and "friend to all," he is survived by his son John A. (Sophy) Elliott, Jr. , his grandsons Grant, Clark, and Jack, his siblings Roger Elliott of Westerville, OH, Betty (Clifton) Cole of Homewood, IL, William Elliott of Chicago Heights, IL, and Marian Elliott of Homewood, IL, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and the dearest of friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lillian "Joann" Amos Elliott of Naperville, Illinois, his siblings, Bernice Jackson and Luella Smith Douglas and parents William Elliott and Violet Ligons Elliott of Chicago Heights, IL. John Elliott was born on August 26, 1942, at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, IL. He spent his boyhood in Chicago Heights and graduated from Bloom High School before achieving academic and athletic excellence at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. During his time at Western he made friendships that would last his lifetime. He was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, earned a bachelor of science degree in social studies and, most importantly, met the love of his life, (Lillian) Joann Amos, "Lilli-Jo" as he affectionately called her. John and Joann were married on April 10, 1964 in Macomb, IL. They welcomed their only son, John Jr. into their family and were together in love for 57 years. John and Joann settled their family in Kankakee, IL where John began his professional career as an educator. He was a prominent figure in the Kankakee community including as a member of the boards of the Dr. Martin Luther King Education Center, The Boy Scouts of America's Rainbow Council, the Jaycees and Kiwanis Clubs as well as a member of the Kankakee Country Club. During his tenures in the Kankakee and Lockport, IL school districts, John served as a junior high school and high school history teacher, the school district's community services director and assistant to the superintendent. Following an impactful career in education, John joined Kankakee Auto Leasing and was appointed president in 1974. Fifty years of dedication to the student transportation industry followed including as senior vice president of Ryder Student Transportation, president of First Student, CEO of Durham School Services and most recently as CEO Emeritus, and active consultant, in his 22nd year with National Express Group LLC. John achieved great triumphs throughout his career. He was a recognized icon in the transportation industry as leader of the two largest student transportation companies in North America. He served on the Board of the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) for more than 20 years, and received many accolades for his work, including the NSTA Hall of Fame Award in 2006, School Bus Fleet Contractor of the Year in 2007, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from National Express Group PLC in 2014. He was proud to be the first African American to be appointed CEO of a publicly traded school bus corporation in North America. John was a trailblazer and often told others that although "he is old, he is not an old thinker. " As a well-respected leader, John's presence would light up a room. As he walked through the office, John enjoyed meeting with team members, letting them knowthat they were seen, heard, and most of all, valued. He was an endearing man, who embodied tenacity, charisma, and intellect. He served as a mentor to many and left a lasting legacy and impact. By far John's greatest source of happiness and pride came from his family. His son, John Jr. was a source of extreme joy, and fulfillment that began upon his birth and never waned during his lifetime. Dedicated Illini fans, John and Joann followed John Jr's athletic journey to stadiums across the midwest in their orange and blue Illini conversion van. John never once stopped being a nurturing father, supporter and fan of his "2-John" in every way. He absolutely adored John Jr. and Sophy's three sons, Grant, Clark, and Jack. Watching them grow into young men and hearing about their aspirations and goals filled his heart. He intentionally spent his time with them curiously asking questions about their lives and learning about their youthful worlds. Happiness to John was the happiness and success of his family. They brought him a lifetime of joy. John and his beloved wife Joann also lived in Overland Park, KS, Chesterfield, MO and Lakeway, TX before settling in Naperville, IL. John and Joann loved and treasured the enduring friendships that they developed on their life's journey. They rested and recharged each year at their favorite place in the world, The Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach where they vacationed together for 38 years. John served on the National Board of Directors of Canine Companions for Independence for 22 years and was extremely proud to lend his support to the organization. He fiercely supported his alma mater, Western Illinois University and in 2017 received the Distinguished Alumni Award for his exceptional professional accomplishments and service to the community. He also supported The Jones Center in his hometown of Chicago Heights, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:Canine Companions for Independencehttps://p2p. onecause. com/tributegift/donateThe Jones Center220 E. 15th Street, Chicago Heights, IL 60411https://www. jonescenter. org/Show more
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