Born on November 11th, 1960, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to parents Julian Zapczynski and Francis Philbin, Jerry graduated from Frankford High School in 1978. He proudly served in the United States Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana, quickly rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant and becoming the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 2nd Security Forces Squadron Armory.
During his military service, Jerry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Louisiana Tech University. After leaving the Air Force in 1986, he joined the Defense Investigative Services (n/k/a Defense Security Service) and later returned to Louisiana Tech to obtain a Master’s degree in Human Relations.
In the fall of 1990, Jerry began a distinguished career with the Office of Probation and Pretrial Services for the United States District Court of the Western District of Louisiana, Shreveport Division. He worked closely with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and criminal defendants, making significant contributions to sentencing recommendations and helping offenders reintegrate into society. His dedication to this challenging role culminated in his retirement in 2011 as Supervisor of the Shreveport Division after an impressive 32 years of service.
Jerry also enjoyed what he fondly referred to as his "fun job," providing security at Centurylink and the Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino. He cherished the opportunity to meet entertainers, including some of his rock heroes, and had countless stories that brought joy to his face and shared laughter to those close to him.
Outside of work, Jerry was passionate about playing the drums and cooking. Gumbo was his specialty. He was an avid golfer, proud of achieving a hole in one. Jerry was known for his kindness and willingness to help people in need. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but also for his warm spirit and the positive impact he had on many lives.
Jerry was preceded in death by mother, Francis Philbin; his father, Julian Zapczynski; and stepfathers, Richard Moszczynski and Nick Corabi; and brother-in-law, PJ Rocks.
Jerry is survived by the mother of his children, Mary Zapczynski; daughters, Kathleen Prystowsky (Nathan) and Anne Boteler (Jacob); sister, Julie Lewandowski (Dave); brother, Rick Moszczynski; sister-in-law, Linda Rocks; grandchildren, Eileen, Abigail, and Eleanor Prystowsky; Booker, Mazie, and Amelia Boteler; nieces, Heather Over, Ashley Moszczynski, Kimberly Steigleman, Sara Oberlander, and Melanie Self; and nephews, Dave Lewandowski, Warren and Colton Rocks, Jason and Brandon Moszczynski and Christopher Andrzejewski.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church 7738 Barksdale Blvd. Bossier City, with Father Joseph Ampat and Father Karl Daigle officiating. The family will receive visitors in the church hall following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CADA (Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Northwest Louisiana) or Providence House in Jerry's memory.
https://www.cadanwla.org/donate
https://theprovidencehouse.com/donate/
