Gerald Russell Shepherd

Gerald “Jerry” Shepherd was born outside of Cleveland, OH to Milford and Julia Shepherd on January 30th, 1944. He was a caretaker, a caring brother, and a loving father who enjoyed cooking dinner every night for his family.

He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, where he worked in a recruitment office in Texas preparing young men for the service. He opted to leave the Army following his 2-year enlistment and was honorably discharged. He always felt a strong sense of duty and patriotism from his time with the military.

Jerry worked many years as the manager of an art supply store. In 1980 he moved from his childhood home of Ohio to Arizona and established a new location for the business. Following a stint as the owner of a shoe store, he became a postman with the US Postal Service, and held this position until he retired.

Jerry met Nancy Bateman in Arizona and married her in 1984. They raised two children together. Their first child, Andrew, was born in 1986; and their second child, Rusty, was born in 1989. He enjoyed his time with family, cooking nightly meals, hosting holiday dinners, watching HGTV, and traveling far and near.

He was also active in First Christian Church in Mesa, AZ, which he joined in the mid 1980’s, and attended faithfully until his death. He served at various times as Deacon, Elder, and Moderator of the board, and of course was always ready to play the “Good Shepherd” whenever called upon.

Jerry was inquisitive, always gaining new knowledge about many different subjects. He would regularly surprise those around him with what he knew about the world. He was also a gentle soul, often quiet, but always ready to chime in with wise word, or maybe a smart quip. He enjoyed food, but more than that he enjoyed the act of getting people together around a table. He will be remembered and greatly missed by his family.

A memorial service for Jerry is taking place on October 23rd, 2021 at First Christian Church in Mesa, AZ (805 N. Country Club Road, Mesa, AZ, 85206)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Shepherd family.