Jerry L. Calkins

Jerry was born in Saginaw, Michigan on May 14, 1943, to Jay and Dorothy Calkins. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School. Jerry was a gifted basketball player that worked tirelessly to hone his game as a teenager. He held his high school record for most points scored for a number of years, and he claimed that he also held the Michigan state record for most points scored in a season. He played collegiate basketball at Western Michigan University, where he met his only true love, Sally Arthur. Jerry was very active on campus and in his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, where he was the chapter president, and the president of the Interfraternity Council. Jerry graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Upon graduation, he was offered a sales position with General Motors, and a small startup pharmaceutical company, Marion Laboratories. Much to the chagrin of his friends and family, Jerry accepted the position with that pharmaceutical company based out of Kansas City. Early in his career, Jerry’s sales regions were all along the rust belt, and east coast, and he spent most of his days on the road meeting with medical providers. His career began in Detroit, Michigan. After a 3 year courtship, Jerry and Sally were married on June 25th, 1966, in Wayne, Michigan, Sally’s hometown. In 1971, their first child was born, Ellen Calkins, followed by their son, Jason Calkins who was born in 1975. After several promotions, and regional transfers, they finally moved to the headquarters of Marion Labs in 1977, where he continued to thrive in many different positions for the company. In 1994, Jerry retired from Marion Labs as Vice President of sales.

Jerry was a wonderful husband, father, and friend that everybody looked up to. He was fun loving, hardworking, smart, and an all-around joy to be around. He was a diehard Royals fan and spent many summers watching them at Kaufman Stadium. Jerry spent some of his retirement with Sally enjoying their Siesta Key, Florida condo. Once grandkids came around, their trips to Florida decreased, as the grandkids became their new passion.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sally Calkins; his children, Ellen Paulus (Ken) and Jason Calkins (Kristina). Jerry was blessed with eight grandchildren, Kate Paulus, Trevor Paulus, Thomas Paulus, Wade Paulus, Carter Calkins, Samuel Calkins, Anna Calkins, and Charles Calkins. He is also survived by his sisters, Cindy Hoefling of Saginaw, MI and Diane Vogtmann of Bay City, MI. He was preceded in death by parents, Dorothy and Jay Calkins; and his sister, Marilyn Skelcy.

A memorial visitation to celebrate his life with family and friends will be held 11:00am – 1:00pm on Monday, April 14, 2025, at McGilley State Line Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in his memory to The American Lung Association.