Jerry Jones

My brother, Jerry, died November 20, 1993, another senseless loss to cancer. Not a day has gone by since then that the sun has shone as brightly as before, has laughter seemed as carefree or the holidays been as inviting. But his wish for us would have been otherwise for he never met a stranger or failed to find good in the worst of us.

He left a legacy that would serve any man proud; A wife who loved him for more than 30 years, a son who reflects the same integrity of his Dad, as well as that wicked sense of humor, colleagues who revered his work and a family who sincerely misses his spark. Jerry carried a song in his heart and did all things in the name of the Lord.

The Measure of Man

Not "How did he die?"
But "How did he live?"
Not "What was his station?"
But "What did he give?"
And "How did he play his God-given part?"
Not "What was his shrine?"
Not "What was his creed?"
But "Had he befriended those really in need?"
Not "What did the piece in the newspaper say?"
But "How many were sorry when he passed away?"
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer
To bring on a smile or banish a tear?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

1942

1957

1958

"My favorite photo"
1958

With wife, Barbara
1962

Son Roger & Hollie
1996

I'm Free

Don’t grieve for me for now, I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
Turning my back, I left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found my place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void then
Fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…
Ah, yes, these things, I too, will miss.
But be not burdened in times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life was full, I savored much . . .
Good friends, good times, a loved ones’ touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
But don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me now.
He has set me free.