Jerald W. Goldsmith

Jerald Walter Goldsmith (“Jerry,” “Dad,” “Pop,” or “Mr. Goldsmith” to friends, family, and students) went home to be with his Lord and Savior early Wednesday morning, May 13, 2026. One of Jerry’s goals was to live to be 100; he got close, maintaining his humor and wit to the ripe age of 95. He was born on New Year’s Eve 1930 in Oak Park, Illinois, to Benjamin Walter and Helen Winona (McCurdy) Goldsmith. As a young boy, he moved to Evansville, Indiana, where he lived most of his life. He served stateside as a military police officer in the US Army during the Korean War and graduated with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana State Teachers’ College. Jerry spent his 42-year career teaching with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation; 29 of those years were at Culver Elementary School.

Jerry was a family man, devoted to his wife Jo (Jutzi) of 61 years, whom he met at a bowling tournament in West Virginia. Together, they raised two sons—Bill (Karen) Goldsmith, whose work as an anesthesiologist and critical care physician was a particular source of pride and comfort in his times of failing health, and Scott (Amy) Goldsmith, whom he trusted to help him navigate retirement as his financial advisor. He was an active dad—there for Bill and Scott’s little league games, swimming in the back yard, Melody Bells trips, band performances, choir concerts, and encouraging entrepreneurial skills by helping the boys sell soft drinks to construction workers in the summers with the use of his Volkswagen Rabbit and its PA system.

An avid bowler, he served as the long-time secretary-treasurer of the Evansville Men’s Bowling Association. He was a big Atlanta Braves fan, catching televised games when he could, and even attending in person when possible. A member of the gospel quartet The Disciples, Jerry loved to sing, crack jokes, and share his faith. He was known as the “funster” and the bringer of donuts to the “Saturday Morning Bible Study” hosted by Dr. Joe Fox. He was ordained as a church deacon at Oak Hill Baptist Church. He stayed active in retirement, first as a tax preparer with H&R Block, then working at the Evansville Christian Life Center and volunteering in the church library at Christian Fellowship Church in Evansville.

In 2015, Jerry and Jo moved to Leesburg, Florida, where they spent 10 years sunning themselves and creating great memories with friends playing darts and bocce ball and attending and serving at Celebration Baptist Church. During their time in Florida, Jerry was diagnosed with, and eventually conquered, stage four colon cancer. While he wasn’t able to be as physically active, he loved staying connected to his former students from Culver via Facebook.

Jerry was preceded in death by his half-brother, Walter “Bud” Goldsmith of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his half-sister Pam (Goldsmith) Fox of Webster, Texas and nine grandchildren: Jarett (Allie) and Jamison (Cassie) Buck of Evansville; Daniel (Rachle Engle) Goldsmith of Hillsboro, Ohio; Kyle Goldsmith of Gulf Breeze, Florida; Aiden (Paris), Ella, Sascha, Nina, and Truett Goldsmith, all of Indianapolis, Indiana; and three great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and support during Jerry’s recent illness and invites those who knew Jerry to celebrate his life with an informal time of sharing Donut Bank long johns, coffee, and stories at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W Illinois St, Evansville, Indiana, on June 27th from 9:30am-11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Goldsmith Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund at Indiana State University. To make a donation, visit https://givetoindianastate.org and designate the gift for Goldsmith Memorial Endowed Scholarship, or mail a check with that designation in the memo to Indiana State University, Division of University Advancement, 30 North 5th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.