Victor Janney

Victor Jay Janney, 26, of Ingleside, IL, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Rush University Hospital in Chicago after complications stemming from HLH, a rare genetic disorder.

Born on November 5, 1994 in Waukegan, IL, Victor was a miracle from the day he came into this world. A preemie, born at only 25 weeks, he was tough enough to survive the heart surgery that saved his life.

Growing up, Victor loved pop music, stylish shoes, BBQ chicken pizza, and anything Disney. When he wasn’t working on his dance moves at home, he could be found spending time with his beloved Aunt Josie and Uncle Bud or hanging out with his many cousins. He attended Gavin schools through 8th grade and graduated from Grant Community High School in 2013.

At a young age, Victor fell in love with tumbling and cheerleading. Self-taught, he’d spent countless hours practicing his flips by himself on his backyard trampoline. In high school, his team won the 2013 NSC Championship and took 3rd place at the state competition. He went on to compete in several other high profile cheer competitions including the Desert Storm: World Spirit Championship and the American Cheer & Dance Championship.

In 2013, Victor became a trainer at Twisters Elite Cheer & Dance in Lake Villa where he quickly established himself as the most in-demand tumbling coach in the area. He loved his job, and he loved his students.  As dedicated to his subject as any teacher, “Coach Victor” personally trained hundreds of aspiring cheerleaders and tumblers. His combination of toughness and kindness made him both an outstanding trainer and a hero to the kids he coached. A mentor to an entire generation of cheerleaders and tumblers in the community, Victor’s passion and knowledge will have an impact on these young athletes for the rest of their lives.

The definition of a man with a heart of gold, Victor dedicated his life to his family, his friends, and his students. He touched the lives of everyone he met and will be sorely missed by our community. His generosity and spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of those who were lucky enough to have been a part of his life.

Victor is survived by his parents, John and Cathy Janney as well as his siblings Joseph, Molly, Hayley, Casey, and Timothy.

He is preceded in death by his twin sister, Vantasia, who passed away shortly after birth. Victor dreamt of his sister his entire life, and it’s a comfort knowing that he’s finally able to reunite with her in Heaven.

Victor will be laid to rest at Warren Cemetery & Mausoleum in Gurnee next to his grandparents, Victor and Mary Lou “Billie” Nix.

A celebration of Victor’s life will be held in the coming weeks.

Warren Funeral Home and Cemetery is assisting the family.