The Kewanee Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own on Sunday morning. The Kewanee Police Department and Mayor Gary Moore reacted to the passing of Sergeant James Mock. James “Jimmy” Mock was a detective with the Kewanee Police Department and earned the rank of Sergeant last year when he took over as Investigations Supervisor. Chief Stephen Kijanowski gave James Mock his Sergeant pins at the November 27, 2023, Kewanee City Council Meeting. Sergeant Mock was sworn into the Kewanee Police Department on November 17, 2020, by Beth Kelley and Chief Nick Welgat. Sergeant Mock was the first officer hired from the experienced police officer program at the Kewanee Police Department. Sergeant Mock was the primary street crime detective and the main Drug Alcohol Addiction Response Team (DAART) officer. He was a police officer at the Park City Police Department since 2016 before transferring to the Kewanee Police Department. Sergeant Jimmy Mock started his career in 2011 with the Stark County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Mock received a Meritorious Service Award and an Officer of the Year Award in 2021. According to his obituary, “Jimmy had an intense work ethic and enjoyed outdoor activities, including cattle farming, fishing, and kayaking. He attended the First Christian Church of Kewanee and spent time with his fiancée and their chocolate labrador, Rowe. Most of all, he cherished time with his son.”
Jimmy Mock graduated from Stark County High School in 2007. Sergeant Mock earned the rank of Chief Boatswains Mate in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Funeral services for Sergeant Jimmy Mock are on Saturday, June 8th, at 10 AM. Visitation is on Friday, June 7th, from 5 to 7 PM at Rux Funeral Home in Galva. Sergeant Jimmy Mock will receive military honors at his burial in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in rural Kewanee. Memorials can be made in his name and will be accepted at the funeral home. Send flowers or share a memory in his obituary here.
Mayor Gary Moore, a retired Kewanee Police Officer, said in a Facebook post, “In loving memory of one of our own, James R. “Jimmy” Mock. 1989-2024
Our hearts are deeply saddened at the loss of one of our own Kewanee Police Sergeant’s, Jim Mock. He was a great officer and served our department and our community well. We would like to extend our sympathies and prayers to his son, fiancé and his entire family and closest friends. Our community has suffered an incredible loss but we are grateful for Jim’s service to our community and the United States Coast Guard. Please keep our Police Department in your prayers as well. Our jobs are never easy and often people don’t realize exactly what we take home with us as law enforcement officers.
Funeral arrangements are with Rux Funeral Home.”
I had the privilege of speaking with Sergeant Mock and seeing him work. He was a great guy, a great police officer, and a great friend to everyone he met.
A message from the Kewanee Police Department: “It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the Kewanee Police Department announces the passing of Detective Sergeant James Mock in the early hours of June 2, 2024. D/Sgt Mock was not just a dedicated member of our force; he was a pillar of the law enforcement community, a devoted fiancé, father, and friend. His unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the residents of Kewanee was evident in everything he did.
During his 16 years of service to the United States Coast Guard (Chief Boatswains Mate) and local law enforcement, D/Sgt Mock demonstrated exemplary bravery, professionalism, and compassion. He transferred to the Kewanee Police Department in 2020, bringing a wealth of experience to the department. In 2021, he was named the KPD Officer of the Year and in 2023 he was promoted to Sergeant where he took over the role of Investigations Supervisor. He led the KPD’s Drug Alcohol Addiction Response Team (DAART), focusing on helping community members with addictions and played a crucial role in the recovery of several community members. Additionally, he was selected as a Task Force Officer (TFO) with the FBI to address high-level criminal elements in the area. D/Sgt Mock was a leader in KPD training in areas of use-of-force and critical response.
The loss of D/Sgt Mock is deeply felt by all members of the Kewanee Police Department, Kewanee Fire Department, the City of Kewanee Staff and Council, as well as by the entire community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this difficult loss.
The Kewanee Police Department would like to express its gratitude to the community and law enforcement agencies for the outpouring of support and condolences during this challenging time. We stand united in mourning the loss of our colleague and friend. We will continue our mission and fill the huge hole created by his death.”
KEWANEE – James R. “Jimmy” Mock, 35, of Kewanee, died Sunday, June 2, 2024 in Kewanee.
He was born on May 22, 1989, in Galesburg, the son of James R. Mock and Maria Dykeman. He leaves behind his beloved fiancée, Maya Padilla, Kewanee, IL; his son, Brendan Mock (Brendan’s mother, Ann) of Trevor, WI; and his father, stepmother, and brother, Jim, Miriam, and David Mock of La Fayette, IL. Aunts and uncles Sheryl and John Peterson of Rockton, IL, Susan Mock and Earl Elliott of Elmwood, IL, and cousins Dana and Lydia Peterson. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Nancy Mock.
Jimmy graduated from Stark County High School in 2007. He served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard, earning the rank of Chief Boatswains Mate. He worked as a police officer for the City of Kewanee Police Department, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Jimmy had an intense work ethic and enjoyed outdoor activities, including cattle farming, fishing, and kayaking. He attended the First Christian Church of Kewanee and spent time with his fiancée and their chocolate labrador, Rowe. Most of all, he cherished time with his son.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 8 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva with Pastor John Reside officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, June 7 at the funeral home. The burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in rural Kewanee with military honors accorded. Memorials can be made in his name and will be accepted at the funeral home.