Javier Perez, Jr.

Javier "Jav" Perez, Jr., 42, of Rock Island, died of natural causes at his home on Wednesday, August 2, 2017.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 9, in the Ascension Chapel at Augustana College, Rock Island.  A visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, August 8, in the Wallenberg Hall in the Denkmann Memorial Building of Augustana College, 3520 7th Ave., Rock Island.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to his wife, Rev. Kristen S. Glass Perez.

Javier Perez, Jr. was born on November 19, 1974 in Winfield, Ill.  “Jav” as he was known by friends and family attended Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Ill., where he played football and wrestled and made lifelong friendships. Javier was a proud alumnus of Augustana College in Rock Island, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1997 and was very involved in the student organizations Delta Omega Nu (DON) and Latinos Unidos.  Javier worked professionally as a mortgage lender for 15 years at various banks in the City of Chicago and most recently, he worked as a commercial and residential REALTOR in the Illinois Quad Cities.

Javier is survived by his beloved wife, The Rev. Kristen Glass Perez of Rock Island; his father, Javier Perez, Sr. of East Moline; sisters, Carmen Carbonara of Glen Ellyn, Ill., and Wendy (Raul) Duran and Patricia Garza both of Glendale Heights, Ill.; and his grandmother, Maria Rosario Perez Ramirez, of Carol Stream, Ill.   He was also “Tio Vier” to eight nieces and nephews and has many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Carmen Perez.   

Javier was very involved with many civic and philanthropic endeavors.  He served as chair of the Rock Island Human Rights Commission and also served on the Zoning and Planning Commission of Rock Island. He was also a board member of the St. Joseph the Worker House and the Broadway Historic District Association, both of Rock Island. In Chicago, he served on the board of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and volunteered with Neighborhood Housing Services.

Jav is known for his love of Chicago and all Chicago sports teams. A highlight of his 42 years of life was the Chicago Cubs World Series win in 2016. He also loved music of all kinds, but especially the Big 3 Chicago groups; Pumpkins, Pixies and Wilco. He also loved traditional Mexican Music and frequently spent hours “You Tubing” these classic songs.  He was an avid comedy enthusiast, and took great delight in being “re-tweeted” by some of his heroes, most recently Joe Piscopo.  Jav was also a dedicated amateur pundit and CNN could always be found on some device near him.

Jav loved spending time with his rescue dog “Red Grange,” cooking, watching Jeopardy, and working on their historic home with his wife Kristen, and keeping in touch with his vast network of friends.  He will be missed dearly by all who knew him but would implore all to “Remember Jav” with a walk through Wicker Park, a hot dog at Wrigley, a slice at Pal Joey’s, a drink at Cordozo’s, or a donut on the porch swing.

Online condolences may be left at wheelanpressly.com.

Parking Information:
Map of Augustana College
http://www.augustana.net/Documents/map_2016-17.pdf

Parking for the visitation in Denkmann Hall is available in "Lot H" on the map. 
Parking for the funeral service is available at "Lot E." Shuttles will be available to assist those who may need a ride to Ascension Chapel.
 

 Service Information