Jason Alex Kays, 45, of Rockford IL, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, September 19, 2016. Jason was born on December 31, 1970 to Hubert and Alice (Crawford) Kays in Belvidere, IL. He was a very handy mechanic, collected pennies, loved to fish, sit around campfires and gardening. Jason had a pet crow for 22 years. He had a passion for cutting trees and splitting lumber. He was a UAW member. As an inventor, he developed a patent. Jason was loving, caring and humble and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Jason is loved and will be missed by his daughter Alexandra Kays; his parents, Hubert and Alice Kays; grandchildren, Liliana (Lily) and Andrew (Drew) Carlson; brothers, Jeff (Denise) Kays of Rockford and Randy Kays of Loves Park; nieces, Samantha Kays and Christina Kays; grandmother, Berneitta Kays of Bradenton Beach, Fla.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert Kays, Sr.; Darrel Crawford; step-grandparent, George; and grandmother, Ruby Flemming.

A special heart-filled thanks to OSF St. Anthony's nurses and staff, Northern Illinois Hospice and Dr. Barnhart. A very special thank you to his caregiver and friend, Renee Cicogna

Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, September 26, 2016 , at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008 with Randy Rutledge officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, September 25, 2016 at the funeral home, as well as from 10:00 a.m., until 10:45 a.m. before the service. Burial at Shattuck Grove Cemetery in Boone County. Memorials to the family or Northern Illinois Hospice in Jason's name.  To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.