Jerry Humes

Jerry grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, a small town where he engaged in all kinds of innocent mischief. He had a winter practice of using a rope to lasso his sled to the bumper of a car driving by, getting a nice long ride on snowy days with a driver who had no idea a young boy on a sled was hurtling along behind the car. In school, he was known for his antics—putting a chicken in a school locker to cause a disruption with its squawking, and more. Jerry loved singing, so on days when he ditched school, he snuck back in for glee club practice.

We’re not sure what attracted rule-following Marge Lindley to mischief-making Jerry Humes, but the two fell in love in high school, and a new story began. They had lots of fun in those high school years—dances, local trips with friends, picnics, and more.

The Navy took Jerry to San Diego, where he and Marge married in 1952. Just nine months and four days after the wedding, baby Jackie arrived while Jerry was out at sea. After the Navy, Marge, Jerry, and Jackie settled in Long Beach and then Westminster, California. Greg and Carol came along, and the family enjoyed lots of fun together. Vacations were mostly camping in the local mountains or traveling to Illinois to see family. When the kids left home, Marge and Jerry’s favorite adventures were in their motorhome, usually on trips to Illinois.

Somewhere along the way, Jerry lost his penchant for mischief. We think it was loved right out of him. Marge was patient and gentle, not one to make a fuss or draw attention to herself. As their lives joined more and more deeply, Jerry became more like her. He loved her well. Even in lean years, Jerry squirreled away a little bit of money each month to buy Marge something nice at Christmas. Sometimes that “nice” thing was a dishwasher or microwave, but usually it was a piece of jewelry and a nightgown.

Jerry worked as an insurance salesman, mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually landed in the paint industry, finally retiring at age 75. However, the work he loved most took place in his garage. He kept that garage meticulously organized with repurposed containers for every nail, screw, and fastener. He was ahead of his time in terms of the “reuse” part of the “reduce, reuse, recycle” effort of today. Need a tool or a salvaged piece of wood? He knew right where to find it in his garage. Jerry could fix anything. For about 20 years, the nob on their washing machine was a Tinker Toy piece. Why get a new Whirlpool knob when a Tinker Toy will work just as well?

Jerry was a wonderful dad and grandpa, often ending his conversation with “Remember your old grandpa (or dad) loves you a lot.” He created lots of fun for his grandchildren, taught them how to use tools, plant a garden, even repair a sewer leak.

As Marge faced several major health issues, Jerry spent many days and nights at her bedside in the hospital and at home. That faithfulness continued until her passing last July. Heartbroken, he tried to fashion a life for himself in her absence. At 92, he could still fix most things in the garage, but he could never fix his broken heart. He tried to put on a happy face, but we knew the truth. She was a part of him, and he longed for her.

As his body wore out, Jerry’s patience and perseverance grew. He took things one day at a time, telling us the next day would be better, followed by a gentle pat on the hand.

Jerry is survived by his three kids and their spouses, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his best friend, companion, and joy, Marge Humes. We believe they’re together now.

Please consider making a contribution to St. Jude Children's Hospital by copying & pasting the following link: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Memorials/Memorials?px=8687607&pg=personal&fr_id=154020 in honor of Jerry.