We announce the loss of Jerry Russell, a beloved member of our family and community, with great sadness. We are all heartbroken by Jerry’s unexpected departure because he brought happiness and solace to everyone in his vicinity.
We feel a huge gap that is nearly impossible to fill as we deal with this sad truth today. Jerry was a friend, a mentor, and a source of generosity whose influence extended well beyond ties to family. He was more than just a family member.
Jerry led a life filled with active participation and altruistic giving. Growing up in our tiny town, he was taught the importance of community and the power of strong relationships. He lived by these principles all of his life, frequently lending a hand to neighborhood nonprofits and activities.
From his years of teaching little league to the many hours he devoted to planning neighborhood clean-ups, his commitment to serving others was clear in everything he accomplished. Jerry acted with the conviction that he could make a difference, and many were motivated to follow in his footsteps.
Jerry’s professional reputation was equally impressive. He had a profound impact on thousands of students’ lives during his more than three decades as an educator.
He had a remarkable talent for making every child feel important and believing in their potential. He would frequently go above and above to make sure they had the resources they required to be successful.
His classroom served as a safe haven where children could develop, take on challenges, and succeed in addition to being a place of instruction. The success stories of his pupils, many of whom have gone on to make important contributions to society, form the tapestry that is his teaching legacy.
For Jerry, family meant everything. He was a loving father, a kind grandfather, and a committed spouse. His high school sweetheart and future wife, Ellen, had a legendary love tale.
They raised three amazing kids together, all of whom embodied Jerry’s kindness and generosity. He loved being a grandfather, and he was frequently observed playing with his grandchildren or supporting them from the sidelines when they were playing sports. His family was his pride and delight, and he frequently remarked that creating the devoted home he shared with Ellen was his best accomplishment.
Jerry had a wide range of interests and pastimes to match his skill set. He liked teaching his grandchildren the ins and outs of planting and harvesting, and he was a passionate gardener who took great pride in his expansive vegetable garden.
In addition, he was a skilled woodworker, creating stunning furniture that is scattered across family and friend’s houses as a constant reminder of his care and skill. Hiking and touring the national parks became a large part of our family’s many vacations because of his contagious passion of the natural world.
We are planning a memorial service that honors Jerry’s life and captures the essence of our last goodbyes. Since the service will take place nearby, everyone Jerry touched can join together to honor his legacy. We hope that everyone who knew Jerry will join us in celebrating his memory. Specifics on the date and time will be announced soon.
We are incredibly touched by the compassion and support that friends, coworkers, and even complete strangers whose lives Jerry impacted have shown us during this time of grief.
The anecdotes being told about how he touched so many lives are consoling and a monument to the amazing life he lived. These tales serve as a reminder that although though Jerry is no longer physically present with us, his spirit will always be present in the minds and emotions of the people he touched.
To everyone experiencing this loss tonight, we extend our love and hugs. Though Jerry will be greatly missed, his remarkable life will always be remembered and used as motivation.
We cling to the hope that Jerry’s legacy of kindness, love, and community will sustain us throughout this trying time and continue to serve as an inspiration for deeds of kindness and camaraderie. In addition to celebrating the extraordinary life he had, we are thankful for the time we shared with him.
