Jerry Eastman

Gerald G. (Jerry) Eastman was born on February 21, 1930, in Crosby, Minnesota to Emil and Greta Eastman. Raised in Deerwood, Minnesota, he was the oldest of five children: siblings Greta Frost, Gregory, Michael and Roger. He graduated from Crosby High School in 1948 and treasured his frequent returns to the All Class Reunions of Crosby High School over many years. Jerry served from 1951 to 1953 in the U.S. Army, seeing active duty in the Korean War. Returning from his time overseas, Jerry attended the University of Minnesota on the G.I. Bill, working nights as a security guard, and graduated in 1960 with a Juris Doctor.

In search of warmer winters, Jerry moved to Phoenix, Arizona around 1961. He was admitted to the Arizona State Bar on September 18, 1963, and to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in April of 1964, where he argued an appeal before the Court as a very young lawyer. He spent his law career in private practice as a general practitioner, developing a specialty in family law.

He was a consummate source of practical, paternal, yet frank, advice, and a true advocate for his clients, many of whom became trusted longtime friends.

In 2013, he was honored with 50 years of service in the Arizona State Bar, a rare accomplishment of which he was particularly proud. Though the practice of law and the number of lawyers in Arizona changed dramatically over his career, Jerry stayed true to his nature of trusted counselor, seeking sound resolution without the vitriol and adversity frequently found in modern law practice, often lamenting the passing of a collegial and congenial bar. He also served as a City of Phoenix Municipal Court Judge for many years.

Jerry married Annegrete (Voss) in May, 1965, and together they raised two children over their 53 years of marriage: Annalisa (Jerome Jordahl) and Marc (Jennifer).

Jerry loved life and his many pursuits and hobbies, commenting that he worked through his 60s because he had played through his 40s, a circumstance he did not appear to regret too deeply. Jerry enjoyed golf and got to be pretty good at it, playing at courses all over Arizona and California. He played in the Phoenix Open for a number of years, and once played a round with Arnold Palmer and Marlene Floyd, the highlight of his golf career.

He was an endless source of knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. Jerry could name almost any classic film star of the 30s and 40s, as well as the films they were in and often the songs from the movies (and sing them in tune!). He was an avid knife and gun collector, a member of the Arizona Knife Collectors Association which he greatly enjoyed. He was also a member of the VFW and NRA.

In his later years, Jerry developed a strong interest in Arabian horses. He loved watching his (and others’) horses in the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, where he volunteered through the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. He developed close friendships with his horse trainers and those associated with the club.

Jerry loved a road trip like few others. When his children were young, they traveled frequently to visit friends and family in California, from Encinitas to Santa Cruz, Redwood City, San Francisco, and Yellowstone. Weekend jaunts to Las Vegas were common. The family traveled regularly to Minnesota, and traversed most states west of the Mississippi.

In 2001, Jerry and Annegrete crossed the Mississippi, stopping in New Orleans before reaching their destination of Williamsburg, Virginia, where they welcomed their first grandson. Gerry loved the history of the location, and the trip remained a highlight of their travels. In 2007, Gerry and Annegrete traveled via train across the United States, to Boston, Massachusetts, and up to Bangor, Maine to visit a new granddaughter.

Jerry was immensely proud and readily entertained by his grandchildren. He was grateful to spend much time with granddaughter Brianna (Jordahl), and eagerly praised her academic and athletic achievements at every opportunity, spending time watching her on the softball field whenever he could.

He took seriously his role as Papa even from afar, passing down knowledge and skills to his grandchildren in Maine (Gunnar, Evangeline, and Reason), including archery, hunting, shooting, and a love of all things old-fashioned from spinning tops and kaleidoscopes to kettle corn, saltwater taffy, and Red Rider bb guns.

Jerry was a champion for everyone. He never met a stranger, and would find a friend wherever he was, from the old days at Durant’s, to his latter days in grocery stores, bakeries, and knife or horse shows. He befriended everyone and always had a story to tell (and to repeat, again), or piece of random trivia to share. Though never short on words, Jerry was a sensitive soul and demonstrated his love through action, whether by a shopping trip to Beverly Hills, or supporting (and often financing) his children’s and grandchildren’s varied interests including modeling, the Bondurant Racing School, horseback riding, and their continued educations.

Jerry and Annegrete’s home was always open to all, with many of Annalisa’s and Marc’s friends spending summers in their pool and emptying their fridge. Jerry was a friend and father to many, across all ages, experiences, and backgrounds. He was interested in everyone and made anyone feel welcome.

He was pragmatic and logical, dispensing sound and thoughtful advice from the bench, his office desk, or his armchair. He helped many, personally and professionally, often overlapping the two. He was a good man. He lived a good life. He will be missed by many, but his words of wisdom and kind compassion for all people and creatures will not be forgotten and will continue to guide and inspire those who loved him most.

Gerald G. "Jerry" Eastman, passed away December 26, 2018. Survived by his wife Annegrete of 53 years; son Marc (Jennifer) Eastman; daughter Annalisa (Jerome) Jordahl; four grandchildren, Gunnar, Evangeline “Cricket,” Reason, and Brianna; brother, Roger Eastman and sister, Greta Frost. He was a member of the State Bar of Arizona for more than 50 years and a City of Phoenix Court part time Judge. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Korea. In lieu of flowers please make donation to Hospice of the Valley 1410 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014. Services, 2:00 PM., Friday, January 11, 2019 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ. 85024