John G. Cairns, Sr.

Age 70 of Morris, Illinois, and formerly of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at The Gardens of Morris.

Born March 26, 1955, in Joliet, Illinois, John was the son of John Joseph and Ruth (Barr) Cairns. He was raised in Wilmington, attended St. Rose Parochial School, and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1974. On December 6, 1975, he married the love of his life, Terrie Theiler, at St. Rose Catholic Church, where together they built a loving home and raised their family.

John began farming alongside his father-in-law in 1974, a passion he continued with his son until 2017. He retired from ComEd on Briggs St. after 28 years and also ran a successful heating and cooling business. John was proud to support his community through his service as a Trustee to both the Wilmington Fire Department Board and Wilmington Township. A devoted member of St. Rose Catholic Church, he served on the School Board and Parish Council, was a Eucharistic Minister, and joyfully sang for countless weddings throughout the years.

Beyond his work and faith, John lived a life full of hobbies and simple pleasures. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, and enjoyed playing cards and woodworking. A true “Jack of all trades,” John was known for his knowledge, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand. He cherished traveling with his family, adored his dogs, and always put others before himself.

Above all, John will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy was the love of his family. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and devotion.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Terrie Cairns, and two children: John Cairns, Jr. of Minooka, Illinois and Gina (Bill) Wolf of Channahon, Illinois; five grandchildren: John Lucas “Luke” Cairns, Will Wolf, Rose Wolf, Mason Wolf, and Clara Wolf; as well as numerous cousins and countless friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his special aunts: Isabel Rayburn and Rose Cairns.

Per John’s wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Friday, September 26, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 7:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in John’s memory to: The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share John’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815/476-2181)