J. Michael Essex, 64, of Elgin, the vice president of sales at Energy Absorption Systems Inc. in Chicago, died of heart complications Saturday, June 10, in Sherman Hospital in Elgin. Mr. Essex obtained a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1958. He then served two years in the Army Corps of Engineers based at Ft. Belvoir, Va. During his service, Mr. Essex was a company commander and attained the rank of first lieutenant. He moved to Elgin in 1964 and started working in sales at Energy Absorption Systems, a manufacturer of highway safety equipment, in 1973. “He was dedicated to his family and his job,” said Mary, his wife of 40 years. Other survivors include two sons, Douglas and David; a daughter, Diane Bergeron; a sister, Patricia; and four grandchildren. A service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State St., Elgin.
