Jerry Wayne Kerr

Jerry W. Kerr, 68, peacefully passed away at 6:40am on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at Kobacker House in Columbus, OH as he was surrounded by his wife and children after a long and courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Jerry was born on April 17, 1948 in Durham, NC, son of the late Wallace and Evelyn (Tunstall) Kerr.

Jerry's greatest passion was people and he always tried to see the good in everyone, never having met a stranger. He believed in the power of listening and knew compromise was a powerful tool. He believed in actively serving his community and standing up for his fellow man. Jerry was a leader for many and walked through life with broad shoulders.

Jerry lived a distinguished life and was a proud member of several reputable organizations. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. He lived to put family first while maintaining a strong focus on his career. After graduating from The Ohio State University in 1977, he was excited to begin his career as Systems Engineer for IBM which gave him a great foundation for his long career as Chief Information Officer at Schottenstein Stores Corporation and Schottenstein Property Group.

He found it satisfying to serve and represent his fellow veterans. As Post Commander, VFW Post 4719 and District 11 Commander, Jerry earned All-American recognition. He was a 50-year American Legion Life Member, Post 797. His membership at AMVETS Post 89, 40 et 8 Voiture Locale 15, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars as a Gold Legacy Life Member and Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 670 were all gratifying to him.

Jerry was honored to be affiliated with Free and Accepted Masons, where he was Head of Masonic Bodies: Past Master, Chandler Lodge138; Past High Priest, Adoniram Chapter 73; Past Illustrious Master, London Council 41; Past Commander, Willis Commandery 82; Past Sovereign Master, John L. Owlsey Council 217; Past Worthy Patron, London Chapter 386 . He earned membership with Knights of the York Cross of Honour, Ohio Priority 18; he held memberships with Aladdin Shrine Temple, Irish Council 67 and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite where he earned 32nd Degree Mason. As Trustee and Secretary/Treasurer of London Masonic Temple, he enjoyed leading fund raisers to benefit the Lodge and the local community.

He worked hard to make every organization in his life grow and prosper. He was recognized as a Lifetime Member after his 16 years of service as a Coach, Umpire, Treasurer and Board of Directors member for London Area Baseball Council.

Jerry was a loyal husband, caring father and loving grandfather. His personal time was fulfilled when playing golf or riding his Harley Davidson, in which he was a member of HOG and AMA.

Above all, he enjoyed life. Jerry chose to be a part of society and be friendly to everyone. He would extend his hand and tell his life story to a complete stranger in hopes to find common ground. He would tip a fast food worker, anticipating they needed money. Jerry found happiness in his efforts to be charitable to people and organizations in need; giving his time, passion and energy to raise funds.

He is survived by wife, Jo Ann; his son, Zachary and daughter-in-law, Lin; his daughter, Angela and son-in-law, Brent Hemmert; grandchildren Tyler and Mason; his sisters, Kathy Strickland and Linda Berry.

Friends may call from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm on Wednesday, October 12 at Schoedinger Northeast Chapel, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. The funeral service will be held at 2pm on Thursday, October 13 at Schoedinger Northeast Chapel immediately followed by celebration of life at VFW Post 4719, 75 W. Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. The burial will take place on Monday, October 17 at 12pm at Dayton National Cemetery at 4400 W. 3rd Street, Dayton, OH 45428.

Jerry always enjoyed seeing flowers at the funerals he attended, but for those who would enjoy contributing in another way, the family requests memorial donations made to Jerry's favorite organization at the end of his life, VFW Post 4719, 75 W. Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230.