Jay Book

  Jay Paul Book, age 68, of Sterling, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his farm on March 1, 2025. Jay was born in Sterling on February 22, 1957, to loving parents Gene and Lucille Book. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Science, Jay returned to Sterling to pursue his dream of building the family farm, Northland Farms.

  Jay was a dedicated grain and livestock producer and was a pioneer in advancing cattle genetics, being the first to build a complete herd of homozygous polled (genetically horn-free) Simmental cattle. He was recognized for his contributions to breeding and raising Simmental cattle and hosted nine successful Herdbuilder Simmental Production Sales. Jay was a member of the Illinois Beef Association and was also involved with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the American Simmental Association. Throughout his career, he sold cattle across the United States and internationally, from Saskatchewan, Canada, in the north to Colombia, South America, in the south. His commitment to his work and his community was reflected in his leadership roles, including serving as a leader of the Illinois Beef Board, Chairman of the Christ Lutheran School Board, and Chairman of the Boy Scouts Troop 72 Committee.

  On September 5, 1981, Jay married Cheri Neahring of Sterling, beginning a lifelong journey together. He was a devoted and loving husband to Cheri and a wonderful father to his two children, Adam and Nichole. He cherished the time spent with his four grandchildren, Bethany, Elijah, Josiah, and Noah. Jay saw the value of spending quality time with each family member, both immediate and extended.

  His favorite activities centered on faith and family. Each morning, he started with coffee and prayer with his wife, Cheri. Jay embraced the simple joys of taking in rural sunsets, husking sweet corn, and checking cattle in the pastures with his loyal yellow Labrador Retriever by his side. Over the years, he had four Labs, each a steadfast companion in their time, with his last and beloved, Ethan, always at his side.

  Jay’s unwavering faith in God was present in every aspect of his life. He was a man of prayer and trusted God through daily joys and trials. He encouraged others in their faith and lived as an example of continuously seeking and glorifying God. He was an active member of Christ Church and was involved in fostering church discipleship. 

  Jay was a beacon of stability and peace for all who knew him. He will always be remembered for his hard work, commitment to integrity, and love for others. Jay was predeceased by his mother, Lucille Book. He is survived and dearly loved by his wife, Cheri, of 43 years; his children, Nichole (Max) Russell and Adam Book; grandchildren, Bethany, Elijah, Josiah, and Noah Russell; father, Gene and his wife, Nancy Book; siblings, Joel (Beverly) Book, Julie (John) Hickey, Lori (Joel) Downie, and Kelly (John) Ryan; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Jay’s memory will live forever in our hearts as he dwells in his forever home in heaven.

 Visitations will be held on Friday, March 7th: 5-7 p.m. at Schilling Funeral Home (702 1st Ave, Sterling, IL 61081) and Saturday, March 8th: 9-10 a.m. at Science Ridge Mennonite Church (1702 E Science Ridge Rd, Sterling, IL 61081). Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Science Ridge Mennonite Church with burial following the service at Palmyra Cemetery (352 Timbercreek Rd, Dixon, IL 61021).