Jack Fields

University Registrar Jack Fields Dies at 55

October 21, 2004

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Jack C. Fields, associate professor of business administration and registrar at Illinois Wesleyan University, died on October 21, 2004 at BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal. He was 55.

A campus-wide service of remembrance and celebration for Fields will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, in Westbrook Auditorium of Presser Hall.

On Monday, October 25, a family funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. in Evelyn Chapel. Burial will be in Paxton, Ill., Jack’s hometown, on Monday.

"Jack's contributions to this community over many years had earned him the respect and affection of everyone who worked with him," said Illinois Wesleyan President Richard F. Wilson.

Fields was born June 6, 1949 in Paxton, to the late Ceacil and Helyn Fields. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan in 1971 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. He worked for the General Electric Company from 1972 to 1980 in various domestic and international assignments in the finance section. He entered law school in 1980 and earned his juris doctor degree from Northern Illinois University in 1983.

In 1983 Fields returned to his alma mater as a faculty member in the Business Administration Department where he specialized in business law and accounting courses. In 1994, Fields was appointed to the position of University Registrar, and he continued to teach courses in business administration. As registrar, he served as Illinois Wesleyan’s faculty representative to the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. As a member of the Illinois Wesleyan community, he built a reputation as a outstanding teacher, valued colleague, and as a empathetic and trusted adviser to all students.

While a student at Illinois Wesleyan, Fields was instrumental in establishing a colony of the Sigma Pi social fraternity. He was active in the life of the fraternity throughout his career, serving as adviser of the Illinois Wesleyan chapter and also holding national office, including Grand Sage (president), Past Grand Sage (president emeritus), Grand Second Counselor (vice president), and Grand Third Counselor (treasurer) of the national fraternity. His commitment and dedication to his fraternity never wavered.

Fields was a member of the American Bar Association (1983), Illinois State Bar Association (1983), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (1986), as well as numerous other national and local professional organizations.

He is survived by two sisters, Laura (John) Curry of Olney, Ill. and Janice (Wayne) FitzHenry of Glen Ellyn, Ill. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Amy (Peter) Sherman of New York City, Lee (Gayle) FitzHenry of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Ken (Kathy) FitzHenry of Round Lake, Il., Laura (Bob) Denton of Warrenville, Ill., and Dan(Connie)FitzHenry of Glen Ellyn, Il. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Guy Fields.

Fields' colleagues on the faculty and staff have established an endowed prize in his name to be awarded at Commencement. The prize will recognize excellence in accounting.