Jerry was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Jeff and Shirley Johnson. Due to his father’s military status, Jerry moved several times. His most memorable times were with his family in Alaska. Jerry’s family moved to Grandview his junior year of high school, where Jerry excelled at sports. Jerry played football and shot put during his two years at Grandview High School. Following high school, Jerry attended college at Central Missouri State College where he continued to play football. It was there that Jerry met his future wife, Judy Kay Moore. Jerry graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in Business. Directly after graduation, he was drafted into the Army, and was discharged two years later. While serving in the Army, Jerry married Judy Moore on May 30, 1968, and both took up residence in Grandview. Following his discharge, Jerry became employed by Pittman Manufacturing Company in Grandview as an Industrial Engineer, then later he took a position with Marley Cooling Tower Company in Mission, Kansas. In 1974, Jerry became father to twin girls, Shelley and Sherri. In 1977, he and his family moved to Peculiar where Jerry lived until Jerry’s Alzheimer’s progressed. In 2018, Jerry was moved to John Knox Village Care Center.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Jeff, and his mother, Shirley (Steiner). Survivors include his wife, Judy; daughters: Shelley (Adam) Bunton and Sherri (Peter) Milakovich; grandchildren: Brennan, Emily and Emma. He is also survived by his sisters: JoAnn (Jerry) Parrott, Judy Porche and Jennifer Johnson (Doug) Orvedahl.
