Jerry "JJ" Polk Jr.

Jerry Polk, affectionately called JJ, was born May 13, 1969 in Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Illinois to parents Jerry Polk, Sr. and Winifred A. Polk. He was the second of three children. In 1977, the family moved to Rockford, Illinois. While there JJ, started to blossom into the man he was later to become. His growth and maturity became evident when, 2 Years later his baby sister Caala was born. At such a young age JJ proved to be a protective and loving brother. Since the age of 6 JJ was a natural athlete. He played little league baseball as well as basketball. JJ attended Boylan Central Catholic High School where he excelled in athletics. He was a point guard on the basketball team and played centerfield on the baseball team. Probably the fondest memory JJ always shared about Boylan were the lifelong friends he made there. He went on to attend Manchester College in Anderson Indiana where he was awarded an athletic scholarship. He continued his athletic pursuits while in college playing baseball until he was injured. While in college JJ began working for TephSeal Auto Appearance as a detailer. JJ spent his entire career working with Tephseal forging lasting friendships there and developed a reciprocal relationship where he considered Tephseal an extension of his family. At the time of his passing, JJ had advanced to the position of Regional Manager. In the year 2000, his mother, Ms. Polk worked with a young lady who she thought would not only be a good match for JJ but also thought would help him settle down. As any mother, looking forward to grandchildren would do, she embarked on a journey of matchmaking. Two years later, JJ and Regine Millien were married. For the next 8 years, the young couple travelled and enjoyed their young life together. From that union, came the light of his life their son Raynier Jordan Polk. Together, this young family traveled around the country. JJ shared his love of travel and good food with their son RJ. He was a devoted sports fan. Although he loved all sports, football was his favorite. He had always been an avid golfer and took his son along often as his caddie. He encouraged RJ’s love of sports and in 2017 started coaching RJ’s little league basketball team. When he was home, he loved to cook and was an amazing chef in his own right. One dish he was known for is his special recipe for "lasagna" that we all had come to love and appreciate. JJ is survived by his loving wife Regine and his beloved son Raynier, his 99 year old grandmother Nadine C. Washington, his mother Winifred A. Polk, Auntie Myrl A. Washington, his uncle James, his big brother Ronald James, little sister Caala N. Andre, his niece Jessica Sanders, his nephew Xavier C. Andre, his cousins Andrea Washington, Diedre Campbell, Dana Washington, Dionne Washington, Stevon Washington, DaRon Washington, Kimberlee Samuel, Eddie J. French, and Andre Washington, James Frederick Washington, Jr. and Cheryl Washington and a host of 2nd generation cousins, his in-laws with additional nieces and nephews, friends, and coworkers. He is predeceased by his father, Jerry Polk Sr., his aunts “the Twins”, Rhonda Washington and Wanda Samuels. Regine and RJ would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support. JJ was loved by many and will truly be missed. Special thanks to John Tricoli, the owner of Tephseal Auto Appearance, Neil, Chris, and Joel for their support not just throughout JJ' illness, but throughout his career; Scottie, Mac and the Orlando United Gold Club for their friendship and the repass, and JJ’s former High School classmates who have established a 529 fund in honor of JJ for his son Raynier.

Jerry "JJ" Polk Jr.

May 13, 1969 - December 20, 2021