Jerry Lee Schorsch

Jerry Lee Schorsch was born in Seattle, WA on January 28, 1941. Rumor has it, he was delivered on the family's kitchen table. For those who knew Jerry, this grand entrance into the world just somehow seems fitting. He was the 5th child born to Esther and Frank Schorsch who went on to have 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls. He went through Seattle schools including Lincoln High School. When Jerry was 17, cruising in a car full of his buddies on the mean streets of Ballard, he spotted a cute girl and her friend at a bus stop. He and his buddies ended up following that bus to West Seattle. He was unaware this lovely young girl would be the love of his life, the one he would eventually marry, June 22, 1962, Pearlie Eileen Larson. They had two children: A daughter Yvette Marie, and a son Jon Erik who passed away in 2021. Jerry and Pearlie were blessed with a long and loving marriage of 62 years.

After high school, Jerry followed his two older brother's footsteps, joining the United States Marine Corps. All five of the Schorsch boys served in the Marines. Jerry was in the reserves for 8 years. During and after his years of service, he continued to be a proud Marine, embracing their value’s of faithfulness throughout his lifetime, “Semper Fidelis”.

For 39 years, Jerry worked for Western Kraft/Weyerhaeuser as Shipping Supervisor up until his retirement in 2006. After retirement, Jerry wanted to have a fun job and followed his passion for sports, working for both the Mariners and Seahawks. He was also a mean Blackjack player and tournament winner on one of the many trips he and Pearlie would take to Sequim. He went on to deal Blackjack for private parties and would teach family and friends the art of the game.

Jerry had two granddaughters, Emily Xiaoman and Sophia Grace. He loved being a grandpa and they were the apple of his eye. One of his greatest joys was watching Emily and Sophia grow up. He attended every game, play, and concert. When Emily turned 18, she joined Jerry in dealing Blackjack. They had so much fun together and made many stops South of the border to Taco Bell. In fact, they loved Taco Bell so much, they were given matching Taco Bell t-shirts one Christmas. They always would wear them on their many dates to Taco Bell.

Dad was also known as “Mr. Fix It” to his family and friends. His motto was “get ‘er done”. Sometimes there were a few extra holes, dents, or switched hot and cold faucet supply lines, etc. Then there was the bedroom ceiling fan Dad installed that fell one night. Imagine my brother’s surprise when he woke up to find the ceiling fan in his bed. But Dad did always manage to ”get ‘er done”. And I do have to admit, he did teach me a lot, especially about electrical wiring. There are so many hysterical stories about my Dad that ”Growing up Schorsch” could have easily been made into a 9 season Netflix series like Seinfeld.

My dad was hilarious, but there was a much deeper side to him. He loved fiercely, was an optimist and a glass half full kind of guy. He accepted everyone as they were. The Marine in him always ran to help those in trouble while many would run in the opposite direction. He was a man of faith who loved and treasured his life, family and friends. He was someone who always made an impression on those around him. Dad was loved and adored by his family and friends. For those who were lucky enough to know him, he was one of a kind and not easily forgotten. He will be forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 27th, 2024 2pm at Mill Creek Community Church. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mill Creek Community Church Charity Fund/Homeless Outreach.