Dad attended Georgia Military Academy (A.K.A. Woodward Academy) and graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1967. He played the trumpet in the high school band and also could play the piano. He went to Dekalb Junior College for a short time, before the draft started, at which time he decided to join the Air Force, became a Sargent and served in Vietnam. After his military career, he spent 29 years working at Delta and was known for his hard-work and dedication.
Though Dad may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a provider and man of integrity, loyalty, had a great sense of dry humor and he would never forget to recognize a birthday or special occasion of his loved ones.
Dad loved spending time watching movies and NASCAR . He recorded everything he wanted to watch and then would recommend to friends and family something he’d think they would enjoy. He enjoyed reading the newspaper and listening to talk radio. He loved cats and had many throughout his lifetime up until the last couple years of his life.
Jerome is survived by his children Grant (Holly) Jernigan and April (Travis) Hutcherson; his sister Gemma Barfield; and 2 grandchildren as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father James Allen Jernigan and mother Mary Agnes (Park) Jernigan
A memorial service will be held on March 29, 2025 with visitation at 10am and service at 11am at H.M. Patterson and Son in Sandy Springs, Georgia and burial to follow at Crestlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fisher House Foundation or Paws Of Honor Inc, for veterans, a cause close to Dad's heart.
We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
