On Monday, January 6, 2025, at 1:15 pm at Addington Place of Sparta, Jackie Bevo Bivens surrounded by loving family was called to his heavenly home at the age of 93 years.

Jack was born in Fairfield, Illinois, on November 23, 1931, the son of Everett and Lucille (Newton) Bivens. He moved with his family to Chester Illinois in 1941. Jack was best known for serving others from the Marines to a lengthy police career, to his church and the youth of the area. Jack enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1951 and served on the Aircraft Carrier USS LEYTE. He finished his tour of duty after the Peace Treaty was signed in 1954. Following his service to his country, Jack came home and graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy in November of 1955. He was assigned to District 11 in East St. Louis and then transferred to District 13, DuQuoin in 1957.

Jack's greatest earthly joy was his family and his extended family of the community. He met his wife, Kay Siegfried, and they were married in Chester on September 17, 1956. They shared 68 wonderful years together and loved each other more every day. Their marriage was an inspiration to us all. They were blessed with three children: Melissa, Margie, and Jack. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an exceptional member of his community. Jack retired from the Illinois State Police in 1981. Since being a police officer was in his soul, he joined the Sparta Police Department in January,1983 and was appointed Chief in March of 1984. During this time, he was involved in starting The Quest Drug Prevention Program and DARE program in Randolph County. He believed in prevention programs and assisted with the founding of the Monroe and Randolph Bi-County Substance Abuse Commission in conjunction with the Regional Superintendent of Schools. This Commission served as a model for other agencies in the state. He served as a board member of the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Training Board, Past President of the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Sparta Community Policing Board, charter member of the Sparta Boys and Girls Club, and the Randolph County Police Association. He taught classes at Belleville Area College Police Academy. Jack retired in 1994 after nearly 40 years in law enforcement. Jack was dedicated to not only enforcing the law but to living, teaching, and being a living example of what he believed: that law enforcement is about helping people help themselves. Jack covered many areas in this law enforcement career from regular patrol, crowd control, domestic disputes, riots, fender benders, fatal accidents and murder to working crowd and traffic control for the Hollywood movie, "In the Heat of the Night." If you looked closely, you could see him running in one of the police scenes. He spent his time as a member and trustee of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Parish Council, setting up and attending TEC retreats, and Knights of Columbus including many fish fries with the "cole slaw recipe."

Jack is survived by his wife, Kay (Siegfried) Bivens of Sparta; 3 children: Melissa (Bill) Gross of Chester, Margie (Fred) Wagner of Steeleville, Jack (Christy) Bivens of Springfield, IL; 2 Siblings: Robert (Martha) Bivens, Elizabethtown, KY, Linda (Don) Stallman, Chester, IL; Sister-in-law Vera Siegfried, Chester, IL, Brother-in-law John Schroeder, Rockwood, IL, 7 grandchildren: Meredith (Bobby) Klausing, Sparta, IL, Morgan (Cody) Bendorf, Chester, IL, Jeff (Leah) Wagner, Pinckneyville, IL, Eric (Adrienne) Caby, Chester, IL, Stephanie (Justin) Box, Vancouver, Washington, Jacob (Kirsten) Bivens, Loveland, Colorado, Jeremy (Mariah) Bivens, Rochester, IL; 13 great grandchildren: Parker Klausing, Anna Bendorf, Mia Bendorf, Stephen (Georgia) Wagner, David (Aubrey) Wagner, Andrew (Madison) Wagner, Blayne Wagner, Maggie Caby, Marlie Caby, Lillian Box, Gunnar Box, Apollo Box, Lennox Bivens; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

Preceded in death by: Parents, 3 Brothers – John (Lois), Jim (Jeanine), and Bill Bivens and 1 Sister – Ioan Alms.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sparta, with Father Invenis Iheme officiating. Burial to follow at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta. Visitation will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 pm on Sunday evening, January 12, 2025, and on Monday from 9:00 until 11:00 am. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Memorials may be given to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or IMPACK of Sparta, Illinois and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.