ETC’s 2017-2018 Season Dedicated to Jack Shales 1930-2018
It is with sadness that the Elgin Theatre Company notes the passing of
Jack Shales. Jack, 87, of Elgin died on January 26, 2018, and was born on
November 13, 1930. Jack was an Elgin native and lived here his entire life
except for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was an ubiquitous Elgin businessman and philanthropist, including to
the Elgin Theatre Company, for many years. This included more than 60
years with the United Way of Elgin and many other Elgin not for profit
organizations. Shales was involved with the Ecker Center for Mental
Health, Jane Shover Easter Seals, the Boys and Girls Club, the Community
Crisis Center and many others. He benefited the groups by both his
personal philanthropy and also with his skills as a fundraiser.
Shales was co-founder of Shales McNutt Construction.
Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene, four children; Michael
(Trecia) Shales, Kristin (Doug) Durham, Heidi (Jeff) Baudry, and John
(Shelly) Shales; fourteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.