Jerry was born to James D. and Roberta Myers Sunbury. Jerry graduated from Brookhaven High School. After high school, Jerry graduated from The Ohio State University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) where he was member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Jerry obtained a Juris Doctorate from The Capital University Law School in 1974 where he was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and a Distinguished Member of the Dean’s Council.
Jerry began practicing law in 1974, establishing his own law firm in Columbus, Ohio. Jerry practiced law for over fifty years specializing in personal injury and criminal defense law.
His expertise allowed him to handle many high-profile cases covered by the news media over the years and was often invited by local media outlets to comment on national high-profile cases, most notably the O.J. Simpson case.
Among his many accomplishments, Jerry was recognized by peers and colleagues as a Top Lawyer in Central Ohio by Columbus C.E.O. Magazine and rated by Martindale-Hubbell as an AV® rated attorney, the highest such rating available to any individual lawyer for over three decades.
Jerry was a member of many legal organizations over the years, mainly the Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association; Columbus Bar Association; Ohio State Bar Association; National, Ohio, and Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Jerry was bestowed the Meritorious Service award by the Columbus Bar Association.
He also served as special counsel to the Attorney General of the State of Ohio and over the years spoke as an expert in many areas of law. In addition to his law practice, Jerry served on the faculty of Columbus State and Otterbein College.
Jerry was a beloved member of Brookside Country Club and the Athletic Club of Columbus.
He loved Frank Sinatra, Palm Springs, golf, old movies, OSU sports, and was a voracious reader.
His timeless sense of style and gentlemanly demeanor showed in every aspect of his life. He was a great conversationalist and enjoyed socializing and was always impeccably dressed. His charm, smile, and laugh will be missed by all.
Jerry is survived his wife Roccalyn Rae Kistler Sunbury, his brother Dr. James F. (Grace) Sunbury, brother-in-law Dr. Charles (Bethany) Kistler, nieces and nephews Katherine (Marc) Sunbury Shupp, Joseph R. (Crystal) Sunbury, Dr. Brittany (Carter) Kistler Bean, Carter Jameson Kistler, great nieces and nephews Rory Shupp, Gwyneth Shupp, Harper Lee Bean, Alejandro Sunbury, and Issac Sunbury.
Family will receive friends from 1-3 P.M. Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd., where a memorial service honoring Gerald will be held at 3 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to The Capital University Law School Office of Development, 303 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
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