Townsend Adair Jury

9/25/1924-10/24/2023

Jerry was born and raised on the eleven generation Maple Hill Farm in rural Thornville, Ohio. He attended Newark High School, Newark, Ohio, and Ohio State University. World War II delayed his college career and with help from his brother-in-law Carl "Zig" Ziegler, he was provided an opportunity to become a pilot for the United States Navy. At Pre-Flight School, Saint Mary's College, CA was where he met his best friend and navigator, William "Robbie" Robinson, as well as football Coach Kenneth Gleason, formerly of Fresno State College, Fresno, California. When they transferred to Hutchinson, Kansas their Naval Air Station football team went undefeated with this backfield duo in 1945. Coach Gleason convinced Robinson and Jury to return with him to Fresno and play for the Fresno State Bulldogs. It was there Jerry met the love of his life, Gloria Ann Thompson and the rest is history. Coach Jury's coaching career stretched over 40 years. He taught, coached, and administered on the campuses of San Joaquin Memorial High School, Orosi High School, Clovis High School, Hamilton Junior High School, and Bullard High School.

He refereed basketball, wrestling, and football. Eventually, he became an evaluator for wrestling and football for both the CIF and NCAA. Jerry also wore the "pink hat" on the sidelines at Fresno State Bulldog football games, liaising for the on-field Referees calling TV time outs. Jerry's association with Fort Washington Golf and Country Club offered professional and personal benefits. The ability to liaison local, state, and professional events provided opportunities for schools and non-profit organizations. And, living off the second fairway had its perks, too.

He was predeceased by his father, Paul Adair Jury, his mother, Charrie Rachel Beard Jury, his sister, Julia Beard Jury Ziegler, his brother-in-law Carl William Ziegler and his nephew Jon T. Ziegler. Jerry is survived by his wife of 73 years, Gloria Ann Thompson Jury, sons, Jeffrey P. (Debbie), Steven T. (Mayra), and C. Chadwin (Yvonne), including seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Jerry liked people, encouraged a better game, loved to win, and had a favorite saying, "Kill em with kindness".

Celebration of Life is to be held at the purple lot November 18, 2023 prior to the Fresno State game, time TBD.