Judy Jo (Hunt) Arbour

Judy Jo (Hunt) Arbour, 68, residing in Chebanse, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois. She valiantly with unmatched bravery and courage fought renal failure to the very end. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 13th, 2024, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Jensen Funeral Home located at 3639 IL-17, Kankakee, IL 60901. Judy Jo was born on June 10, 1955, in Gibson City, Illinois, the daughter of John (Tom) Hunt and Valeria (Wright) Hunt. Surviving are her husband, Joseph; two sons, J.T. (Barb) and Jeffrey; grandchildren, Cayden and Tyson Arbour. Also surviving are her mother, Val Hunt; sister, Dorri (Harry) Groom, their children, Stacy (Chad) Johnson, Sara Groom Boucek; and nieces and nephews, Hunter and Valeree Johnson and Ainsley, Jack and Annie Grace Boucek. Judy Jo was preceded in death by her father; Grandson, Cody Thomas Arbour; and both in-laws, Joe and Joanne Arbour. Judy Jo was a beloved beautician who used her hair styling talents for most of her life to keep her clients looking their best. She dedicated countless volunteer hours to local schools, little league, and the HeadStart organization. She was “mom” to many, known for her caring spirit and endless energy entertaining school and neighborhood kids alike. After the tragic loss of her second grandson, Cody, she helped organize and founded the not-for-profit organization, Because of Cody, whose mission was to educate parents and create awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Safe Sleep Practices for babies. She was instrumental in passing legislation in Illinois for Safe Sleep Practices, appropriately named “Cody’s Law”. For the past several years, she was passionate about her work at Jensen Funeral Home as a coordinator for funeral services helping families to coordinate the final wishes of beloved family members. Her talents were endless but perhaps what she will be best remembered for is the way she unconditionally and without reservation provided love to all, especially her family and close friends. She was often the life of any party and the first to offer a helping hand in times of need. She mastered the ability to be present and genuinely listen with care and compassion, never turning away from those in need. This is her legacy and even in death cannot be diminished. For those who read this, her final message, request and wish would be this: Love hard and be loved in return. Unapologetically live your best life exactly as the good Lord created you. Finally, never forget that she loved you for exactly who you are, no matter what. Donations may be made to contribute to college funds created for her Grandchildren and other wishes that Judy Jo expressed to family. Her Venmo Account is under her email, judyjo610@gmail.com. Checks can be made out to Judy Jo Arbour and mailed to Jeffrey Arbour, 510 E. Ash St, Watseka, IL 60970. There will also be an opportunity to contribute at the Celebration of Life on April 13th, 2024, 4pm-8pm.