Jerry Gilbert

Jerry was born in Fresno, CA on October 7, 1952. He is the third child of James T and Jean W Gilbert. He grew up in Fresno and spent a year in North Carolina before returning to Fresno and graduating from Bullard High School. After a few courses at Fresno City College and while working at D & D liquor store he met his future wife, Eloise. Jerry joined the Navy in November 1972, where he and Eloise continued their romance with letters and occasional visits to where he was stationed, one particularly nice visit to Hawaii. He and Eloise were married September 6, 1975. Together they raised two children, Megan and Michael.

After leaving the Navy, Jerry began his training for his lifelong career as a Journeyman Electrician. He belonged to the IBEW Local 100 union for the entirety of his time working. He was still an active member even after his retirement in 2010. Throughout their marriage Jerry and Eloise enjoyed traveling. Their many travels took them on cruises to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. They also traveled extensively throughout the US, taking many car trips to Scottsdale for Giants spring training, to Lake Tahoe, across the US to visit family in North Carolina and recently a tour visiting baseball stadiums and seeing their grandson Alex play in a power soccer tournament in Indiana. He and Eloise also took special trips with each of their grandkids. By far their favorite place to visit was Hawaii, specifically Maui and Kauai, where Jerry fit right in with his Hawaiian shirts. When they were not traveling far from their home in Clovis they stayed local at their cabin in Shaver Lake, where he enjoyed many long weekends with the family, eating and playing cards and games.

Throughout Jerry's life he was an avid reader, always having books laying around to pick up and recently reading on his phone so it was easier to keep a book with him. Of the many ways Jerry gave back to those around him was his commitment to blood donation. Starting when his children were young and continuing through the years he donated over 11 gallons of blood, one pint at a time.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Eloise, their children Megan and Michael, son-in-law Ryan, daughter-in-law Cherice, grandchildren Alex, Marlee and Caelyn. He is also survived by his mother, Jean, and siblings Jim and Randi.