A much respected attorney in the community passed away last week, leaving behind fond memories with his family and a law firm made strong in part thanks to his nearly five decades of experience in private practice.

Jack Strellis, 79, was born in Chicago and grew up in Austin, a community in that city’s West Side.

As his son and law partner Gregg described, Jack came from a very modest family. His oldest sister Anne was the first in the family to go to college. Jack and his other sister Francis followed suit, each attending the University of Illinois.

Gregg suggested that his father’s humble youth likely contributed to the spirit he brought to his law career and the rest of his life, though he demonstrated this passion even at a young age, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and serving as president of the student government at Austin High School.

“I remember him telling me he worked for the railroad and made more in the summer working for the railroad as a switchman than his parents had made at any point in time in their careers,” Gregg said. “He was a hard-working fella, and industrious, and I think growing up in that kind of background motivated him.”

Jack graduated from the University of Illinois having studied physics and chemistry, and he began teaching physics at Crane High School in Chicago.

While he undertook his foray into education, Jack also pursued a law degree at Loyola University and was admitted to the Illinois State Bar in 1971.

Gregg also remarked on Jack’s career path, with his science background providing a distinct foundation for his legal work compared to a liberal arts or other degree.

“He thought that the background in the sciences and having that physics and chemistry as an undergraduate work was very beneficial for him in the law because he could look at things from a scientific method,” Gregg said. “That was always very important in cases where we had medical malpractice claims, to be detail oriented and understand the scientific principals in order to advocate for clients. It gave him a way to creatively look at cases.”

Jack briefly worked for a Chicago law firm before serving with the Department of Justice for several years as an assistant U.S. attorney in East St. Louis.

He left this job in 1975 to begin his own practice, eventually establishing Strellis Firm Law Offices in 1992.

One figure who has worked for and alongside Jack for a substantial chunk of his career is Laura Kinzinger, who joined with him right out of school at 19 and had continued to work with him for 42 years.

“It’s been an absolute honor to work for him for all this time,” Kinzinger said. “Jack was such a kind, generous, intelligent, funny and unique person all wrapped up.”

She further expressed her fondness and respect for Jack, noting his character and his place in the local community.

Kinzinger recalled his love for books as well as his support for local organizations like Monroe Actors Stage Company and Operation Liftoff, a group which helps arrange trips for children with life-threatening illnesses.

She also noted his membership with the Waterloo Lions Club – he also served as the group’s legal advisor – as well as his appreciation for the Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School Queen of Hearts game just a short walk away from the firm’s office near the courthouse on Mill Street.

Professionally, she voiced her appreciation for Jack’s service as a mentor, offering help and advice and contributing to the strong mutual respect the two shared.

Kinzinger also said that Jack always encouraged her to put her family first, even urging her to make time for family as they ran up against deadlines.

She was also not short of praise for Jack’s approach to his work as a lawyer, stressing the energy and focus that he offered to every client and case.

“I was always impressed with how he went to such great lengths to serve his clients, and he always gave all of his clients his personal attention,” Kinzinger said. “That trait’s been instilled in all of us who’ve worked with him.”

Gregg, who joined the firm as a partner in 2002, also had high praise for his father’s work ethic.

“He was an amazing father and law partner. Brilliant lawyer,” Gregg said. “He’s worked on so many amazing cases where we’ve represented people and had unbelievable results for clients. Jack was just a brilliant trial lawyer.”

Gregg also had plenty to say about Jack’s place in the family.

Jack had four children, with his first marriage bringing his first sons Dan and Gregg, and his second marriage bringing his third son Drew and daughter Tess.

Gregg noted how close the family is, with all of them – including many grandchildren – coming together last week to mourn and celebrate Jack.

Gregg said he was great with kids and had much love for his grandchildren. Jack very much enjoyed his time with family, whether he was cooking holiday meals or spending time with them outside.

He particularly enjoyed his time outdoors in their second home of Moran, Wyo. Gregg specifically recalled his father’s affinity for spending time on the river with family.

Also offering kind words for Jack was one of the firm’s lawyers, Amanda Chase. Though she has only worked with the firm for a few years, Chase had great praise for him, noting how anyone who speaks about him does so “as if Jack was a tall tale personified.”

“He left an indelible imprint on the heart of each person he met,” Chase said. “His 52 years of practice made him a legal legend in Southern Illinois. Yet, despite his legal successes, he served his clients with humility and with a genuine interest in their lives and their happiness. Though Jack is irreplaceable, we are honored to continue his legacy and look forward to serving future generations of Monroe County neighbors.”

Speaking to his legacy, both Gregg and Kinzinger expressed similar sentiments as Chase, with Gregg saying the firm will naturally continue its work in Monroe County.

Kinzinger said she plans to stay with the law firm for as long as she can, with her and the rest of the organization left to continue Jack’s quality, caring legal work.

“He did leave a huge impact on all of us as well as his clients,” Kinzinger said. “He’s left a lot of traits that we’re gonna hold in our hearts, and we’ll continue his legacy here.”