Gerald P. Crystal

Gerald “Jerry” Crystal, of Jackson, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at Baptist Hospital after a prolonged hospital stay. He was 80 years old. Jerry was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 1, 1933, the son of Meyer and Fannie Crystal, Russian immigrants who came to the United States in their youth. Jerry and the family moved to Jackson when he was six years old. After graduating from Central High School, he served in the US Army during the Korean War as a medic. After his service in the military, Jerry enrolled at the University of Mississippi, graduating in 1957 with a degree in Business/Accounting. Following graduation, Jerry joined his father, his uncle Meyer Falk, and his brother, Manny, in the family scrap metal recycling business, Jackson Iron & Metal Company, Inc.

Jerry’s generosity and tender heart were well known, touching the lives of many. Throughout his life, Jerry was committed to numerous civic and local organizations including New Stage Theatre, MS Food Network, MS Children’s Services, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, UMAA Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America, MS State Troopers, the Red Cloud Indian School. He was an active member of Beth Israel Congregation and a supporter of many Jewish causes.

Besides being a steadfast Ole Miss Rebel fan, Jerry was an avid scuba diver, yachtsman and game hunter. During his life, he traveled the world pursuing his passions of scuba diving and hunting. Family ski trips and weeks spent in Destin, Florida, were among some of his favorite pastimes. Known as JAJO, being a grandfather and his involvement in the lives of his grandchildren provided him great joy -- he said kept him “hip.” Jerry was truly loved by his family and many friends and he will be greatly missed.

Predeceased by his parents, Fannie and Meyer Crystal, his sister Lillian, his brother Manny, and his wife Charlotte, Jerry is survived by his former wife Betty Crystal, daughters Paula Erlich (Edward), Shannon Crystal (Robert Haber), and son Kyle “Bucky” Crystal (Holly), and his grandchildren Devon, Remi, and Max Erlich and Jordan and Alec Haber. He is also survived by his niece Lynn Crystal and nephew Clay Crystal.

Funeral services will be held on this Sunday, May 5th, 2013, at Beth Israel Congregation, 5315 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. and the service will start at 3:30 p.m. followed by the burial at Beth Israel Cemetery.

The family expresses their gratitude to Ms. Susan Turner for her support and perpetually encouraging attitude in caring for Jerry during the past year. The family would especially like to thank all of the outstanding nurses and staff in the SICU at the Baptist Hospital who provided a level of care that was beyond excellent.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Beth Israel Congregation, Attn: General Fund or Cemetery Fund, 5315 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211