Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Morris on January
31st. He was Jerry to his friends, but to his family he was Dad, Papa Jerry, Uncle
or Sweetheart. It seems unfathomable to describe the inspiration he was and the
love that we feel for him in mere words on paper… and limited words at that.

From growing up in Washington State to living, working, and traveling all over the
world, Jerry lived a full and beautiful life, and was the proud father of 3 children.
His oldest son Craig sadly left this world too soon, after a valiant battle with
cancer. Christy, who is his only daughter, recently moved to Arizona to embark on
a new career, and to live closer to her dad. Jerry was honored that she chose to
move closer to him, and VERY PLEASED to see what an incredible woman his
little girl had become (those who knew Jerry, know he used “pleased or very
pleased” to express satisfaction, happiness, pride or as an overall stamp of
approval). Last but not least is his youngest son, Steven. Their zip codes weren’t
close, and they weren’t big on phone calls or texts, but their father/son bond didn’t
require it. They chose to look at their connection in terms of quality/ not quantity
of time shared, and how they chose to use it. They’ve been co-pilots on airplanes,
road warriors on their motorcycles and co-navigators for both: cross country road
trips and for the twists, turns and detours they encountered on life’s bumpy road to
finding true love and happiness.

Jerry found “true love and happiness” with Helen, and for over a decade they loved
each other deeply, traveled the world, danced the night away at community dances,
enjoyed local theatre performances, and took in the scenery on long motorcycle
rides… the list goes on. They lived between Michigan and Arizona with the shared
goal of loving each other, living their best life together and living each day to the
fullest. They both did that every day until January 31st when he was unexpectedly
taken from us.

In the beautiful collage of Jerry’s life, we can’t forget his positive outlook on life,
quick wit and broad smile that brightened a room. He cherished his motorcycle
rides with old friends, had boundless energy on the Pickleball Court, and
prioritized making trips to Kansas City to spend time with his grandsons (and
Nikki) every chance he got.

Jerry is pre-deceased by his Son Craig, and is survived by his Daughter Christy,
Son Steven (Melissa), Helen (loving companion), Patricia (ex-wife, dear friend and
mother of his children), Daughter-in-Law Nikki, Grandson’s Noah and Adam, and
countless family members and friends that meant a lot to him including Helen’s
family: Daughter Shelli (Jim), Granddaughter Monica (Jim) and all his Michigan
great grandchildren who all loved him very much.

Instead of saying good-bye, we prefer to think he rode off into the sunset to hang
out with Craig. Until we are together again, we will work on living “our best
lives” and will make certain his legacy lives on …

To Jerry: You will forever be missed and will continue to live on in our hearts.

Please note: Jerry requested that no services be held.