A loving father, husband, coach, and friend, Jerry’s legacy will live on. He was a force of nature who accomplished everything he set his mind to.
Jerry graduated from Raytown High School in 1977, where he excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and more. He went on to play football at Benedictine College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He then attended law school at both Oklahoma City University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where he earned his Juris Doctor (JD).
Jerry served as a Prosecutor in Kansas City, Missouri early in his career. He later established his private practice, The Law Firm of Jerry Rellihan, P.C., which served the Kansas City metro area for many years. In 2015, he successfully campaigned and was elected as Associate Circuit Judge for St. Clair County, based in Osceola, Missouri.
Jerry met his wife, Kerrie A. Rellihan (Littell), in 1989. They married on June 29, 1991 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Jeremiah Joseph and Jedidiah Lee, and one daughter, Jodie Mary Frances and one grandchild, enjoying 33 years of marriage.
Jerry was the cornerstone of his large family, dedicating his life to caring for his wife, children, sisters, in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. A man of profound loyalty and unwavering commitment, he served as a role model and protector to so many in his communities. He was known as a coach, mentor, leader, and friend.
Jerry's giving nature was evident in every aspect of his life. With firm principles and a just heart, he was a beloved patron of his church and community. He embodied wisdom and wit in all his interactions with friends and family, and was known by those closest to him for his dry sense of humor and delightful singing voice. His broad shoulders, both emotionally and physically, provided a protective fortress for those who he cared for. Jerry was extremely driven, smart, and kind. His life was a testament to the values he embodied.
Jerry was an adventurous risk-taker who felt most at home in the great outdoors. Jerry’s passion for sports and nature led him to a lifelong pursuit of golf, fishing, hunting, and camping. He never missed a float trip, enjoyed snow skiing, hiking, and anything that could provide him with a good challenge. He loved nothing more than spending time at Pomme de Terre Lake with his family, hanging out with his granddaughter Olivia Mae, and “jackleggin’” at the Sac River Ranch in Osceola, Missouri where he resided for the past 20 years.
Jerry is survived by his wife Kerrie A. Rellihan; his three children: Jeremiah J. Rellihan and wife Caroline M. Rellihan (Heiss), Jodie M.F. Rellihan, and Jedidiah L. Rellihan; and his grandchild, Olivia M. Rellihan. He also leaves behind five sisters: Kathy S. Gruszek, Janice M. Geddes and husband Bob, Sharon Rellihan and wife Deb, Brenda L. Chamberlain, and Susan E. Coovert and husband Tom; along with 33 nieces and nephews and 18 great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jeremiah J. Rellihan; mother, Patricia F. Rellihan, and his baby brother, Matthew.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, in support of finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, which his youngest son has battled since age 3 (www.breakthrought1d.org), or to the Jerry Rellihan Scholarship at Benedectine College to support a Raven football player in need (Benedictine College, 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison, KS 66002). His life and contributions will be cherished by all who knew him.
A Rosary service for Jerry will be held Friday, July 5, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by his visitation until 8:00 PM at St. Sabina Catholic Church, 700 Trevis Avenue, Belton, Missouri 64012. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at St. Sabina Catholic Church. The Mass will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/StSabinaParish/ His committal service will immediately follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Missouri 64138.
Memorial services will also be held on Monday, July 8, 2024 at First Baptist Church-Osceola, 555 Walnut Street, Osceola, Missouri 64776. Services will include a visitation at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial at 11:00 AM.
