Jerry Young

Throughout time many lives have been celebrated for various reasons. On this day we look back on the wonderful life of Jerry Young. A man that through the life he lived, touched the lives of family, friends and strangers.

Athletics

Jerry Young was born on January 7, 1958 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he was a student at 21st Elementary Street School. From there he went on to Roosevelt Jr. High and later graduating from North Division High School. While in high school Jerry became interested in football and track. Jerry went on to become a highly touted wide receiver and an All-State high hurdler during his senior year at North Division. Feeling somewhat slighted because he didn’t receive any scholarship offers, Jerry used that as fuel when he entered the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater the following fall. During his career at UW-Whitewater, Jerry was a four-year starter, earning all-league honors as a sophomore and junior and was a first team All-American in his senior year as a wide receiver setting numerous records, some which still stand today. Coach Perkins, Whitewater’s Head Coach during that time had this to say. “I have had some great receivers at Whitewater and Jerry is one of the best I’ve ever coached.” In addition to his gridiron success Jerry was also an All-American high hurdler in track and field. After his college career, Jerry tried out with the Detroit Lions and later went on to plan for The Racine Gladiators, a semi-pro team where they won championship ring his first year with the team. A ring that his family still proudly displays this day. In 1997 Jerry was inducted into The University of Whitewater’s Hall of Fame. Jerry went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree and his reputation as a sports icon to become a successful community liason.

Work History & Education

In 1983 Jerry was hired by Wisconsin Electric as a consultant to work with the inner city youth of Milwaukee, the same neighborhoods where he grew up. Jerry was a fervent believer in education and that’s the message he brought to the children of Milwaukee and those that knew him. Jerry served on several boards including The NAACP, The National Black MBA Association and The Project Equality of Wisconsin. One of Jerry’s passions was mentorship. Through the various boards he served on, Jerry along with several other board members were able to take high school students from the Milwaukee area to visit college campuses throughout the country. Not wanting to be known as “just another athlete”, Jerry obtained his Master’s Degree from Concordia College and before his illness was one class away from receiving his Doctorate Degree. A man of strong conviction, he often said “the legacy I want to leave behind for my children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews is that education has no limits”, Jerry would spend his remaining years residing in Buckeye, Arizona with him wife.

Family & Friends

On August 26, 2017 Jerry made a peaceful transition from this world. During his time at The University of Whitewater he met a vibrant young lady. Janet Webb, a young management student at the time was the apple of Jerry’s eye. He would later say that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. They wed in 1983 and out of their union came a beloved son Jerrell and a “daddy’s girl” Janneice Williams (Jordan Sr). Two Grandchildren Jordan and Jayden. Parents Cleveland and Katherine Young who preceded him in death. Siblings Cleveland Jr. (Preceded in death), Johnnie Young (Bonnie) of Orlando, Florida, Diane Young of Orlando, Florida, Joanne Pegues (Joe) of Flint, Michigan, Don Young (Yolanda) of Avondale, Arizona and Bobby Young of Phoenix, Arizona. Sisters in Law Earlene Webb of Chicago, Illinois, Ericka Webb of Chicago, Illinois, Gwendolyn Webb of Chicago, Illinois, Debra Moore (Joe) of Jacksonville, Florida and Leon Webb Chicago, Illinois, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that continue to carry on his legacy.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6)