Jeffrey Charles Mackey passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 29, 2025 after a courageous and long struggle with cancer.  The beloved son of the late James and the late Janet Mackey, Jeff was born on November 3, 1964 in Berwyn, Illinois.  Jeff was a cherished brother to James (Margaret) Mackey, the late Helena Kastle (Craig) and Jolene (Steve) Poucher.  He was a dear nephew to Nancy Draper, a fond uncle to Robin Mackey (Colin Briggs), Weston Poucher (Jess), Kate (Jeremiah) Johnson and the late Erin Poucher, and a loving great uncle to Amelia and Allan Johnson. His many Farrell and Mackey cousins also deeply loved Jeff and have shared many treasured memories together.

Jeff had an infectious laugh and generous and loving personality. He grew up in Downers Grove, Illinois. There, he attended St. Mary's School, played baseball, basketball and swam at Indian Boundary YMCA and Downers Grove Swim Racquet Club.  He then studied at Fenwick High School in Oak Park.  There, his incredible work ethic earned him both academic honors and awards as an All-State and All-American swimmer and an All-State water polo player.

Upon graduation in 1983, Jeff took his swimming talents first to Purdue University (1983-84) and then to Iowa State (1984-88), where he specialized in the butterfly events.  At each of these stops, Jeff's fun-loving nature attracted an ever-widening circle of devoted friends and teammates.

After college, Jeff applied his work ethic to his career.  He began as a chef, bartender and manager at O'Malley & McGee's restaurant near Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, which he loved.

After returning home to Chicago, he began a three decade career at the Chicago Board of Trade.  He recently celebrated 30 years in several positions at FC Stone/StoneX, including throughout his difficult struggle with cancer.  For years, Jeff held two jobs simultaneously, working first the day shift at Jemm Grain, then the late shift for FC Stone.

At each of these firms, his colleagues loved and respected Jeff.  Clients repeatedly asked for him by name to fulfill their most important trades.  His colleagues relied on him and knew him as a smooth and dependable operator who knew all the answers.  He also brought levity to the workplace with his great sense of humor. Jeff often volunteered to take night and holiday shifts for colleagues who had family obligations.  He was always grateful for the trust and friendship he received from his bosses and co-workers at both StoneX and Jemm.

Jeff's family, friends and colleagues valued mostly his kindness, selflessness, generosity and fun-loving approach to life.  Throughout his life, Jeff cared deeply for others and was always there when needed. He often put others first before himself. Jeff will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held at St. Luke Church, 7600 W. Lake St. River Forest, on Wednesday November 12, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until beginning of a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass ( If unable to attend in person, please join by watching the mass via livestream, you may do so by clicking this link ). A procession will take place immediately following mass to Queen of Heaven Cemetery for committal prayers where Jeff's urn will be entombed. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University , or Fenwick High School, Tuition Assistance . Arrangements entrusted to Peter B. Kennedy & Co. Funeral Directors. Funeral Info: 708-562-5900.