Jerry Lee Basham

Jerry graduated early from Kokomo High School in 1957 to join the US Army. The duty of engaged and varied service remained with him throughout his life, performed with patience and generosity. He married Constancia “Connie” Gonzalez at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on May 25, 1963. Together they had three beautiful children: Richard "Ty", LeeAnna, and Annette. Jerry worked for Chrysler Casting for 32 years, 26 in which he was a Machine Repair Journeyman. He was known by many young journeymen simply as “Pops.” Early in his career, then in his retirement, he taught Apprenticeship classes for The Kokomo Adult Career Learning Center and for Ivy Tech Community College respectively. He devoted over 20 years to teaching. He also earned an Associate Degree from Purdue University during his career. He kept a busy schedule yet made time for everyone, regardless of working third shift, and always put others before himself. He loved coaching Babe Ruth baseball for 25 years and was a father figure to many. He remembered every boy who was on his team and frequently would say to his family, "That’s one of my players!" when he saw them out in public. He loved to golf and bowl as well and played in many leagues. He always kept his hands and mind busy, doing jigsaw puzzles, gardening, reading, and woodworking. He attended St. Patrick Catholic Church with his beloved wife, Connie. Jerry had a heart of gold, was generous, encouraging, humble, and a true unsung hero. He was quick to smile, quick to laugh, and was always up for an adventure. Above everything, he loved his family, and they will forever be grateful for his devotion and wisdom.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 61 years Connie Basham; children Richard "Ty" Basham, LeeAnna Groves (Doyle, who was like a son to him), and Annette Basham; grandchildren Elliott Groves and Hannah Groves; a brother-in-law and his wife, Nestor and Rachel Gonzalez, a sister-in-law he unofficially adopted, Maria Kilcline; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father Stuart Basham, mother Juanita Elson, step-father Don Elson, and his three older brothers: Tom, Larry, and Phil.

A visitation for Jerry will be held Monday, November 11, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.