Jerry was born on July 16, 1943 in Martinsburg, West Virginia to Miller Basil Shade and Mable Crabbe Shade, as the fifth of five children. He was preceded in death by his daughter Janelle Lynn Shade and son, Jerry Thomas Shade, Jr., his parents, brother James Miller Shade, sister Janet “Peggy” Nesmith, and sister Mary Lou Shade.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Glenda, and their son Jason Shade and wife Jacqueline of Johnson City, Tennessee; his granddaughter, and heart and soul, Allison (7); his sister, Virginia Less Hess of Martinsburg, West Virginia; his sisters-in-law, Judith Weigle and Virginia Kief of Martinsburg, West Virginia; numerous nieces and nephews and a soon to be born grandson set to arrive in December.
Jerry passed from this earth a hero, with the softest, most tender heart, who put his family before all other things in this life until the moment that he was called from it. To reduce any man who has walked this earth to just words in an obituary is an overwhelming feat, but to capture Jerry and his spirit, it is nearly impossible. Simply put, Jerry was an affable man, with an enduring loveable personality.
Jerry was a graduate of Martinsburg High School Class of 1961 and a veteran of the 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard. Jerry loved dogs, and throughout his life, had many loyal companions including Sugar, Bear, and Annie. Jerry was also an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, Washington Football Team and now Washington Commanders although the team failed to provide him with much happiness in recent years.
Jerry grew up in Martinsburg, West Virginia but lived for periods of time in Stillwater, Oklahoma; Chesapeake, Virginia; Pinehurst, North Carolina; and Columbia, South Carolina before ultimately settling in Jonesborough, Tennessee to be closer to his son and his family. Jerry was a Mechanical Designer by trade and worked for various employers including Corning Glass Works, Mack Truck, Mercury Mercruiser, Volvo Penta and Meritor, Inc. Although he only obtained a high school education, Jerry was actively involved in obtaining several design patents.
His marriage to Glenda was a love story that transcended the test of time. Jerry and Glenda began dating when they were 13 and they both faced many insurmountable obstacles during the course of their 59 year marriage including the loss of two children. Through it all though, Jerry and Glenda remained committed to one another until Jerry was ultimately called home.
Jerry was an incredible father, never hesitating to miss work to attend his son’s baseball games and never hesitating to remove his son from school to attend events that created lifelong memories for both father and son. Jerry’s favorite activities in recent years always involved his granddaughter, Allison. It was not uncommon for Jerry to be exhausted on any given afternoon after playing “hide and seek” or the “claw” with his granddaughter.
Jerry’s family would like to extend their deep appreciation and gratitude to the many friends, family members and complete strangers who offered and continue to offer their prayers and support. Jerry bravely fought pneumonia and its debilitating side effects for many months and such could not have been accomplished without the love and support of many.
The family will receive friends Friday, July 8, 2022 from 12:00 PM until 1:30 PM at Monte Vista Funeral Home. Funeral Service will follow with Minister Donald Mushayamunda and Minister John Emmert officiating. A Private Committal Service and Entombment will be held in the Chapel Mausoleum at Monte Vista Memorial Park with military honors to be rendered by the Boone Dam VFW Post #4933. Pallbearers will be Donald Wood, Clark Wood, Clark Wood, Jr., David Wood, Kent Wood, and Raymond Ayers.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Jerry Thomas Shade and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
