Jerry Charles Blount

Jerry’s journey began in Hamilton, Ohio on January 9, 1949. His mom and dad James and Julia (Mignerey) filled the Blount family with love and humor growing up in the Fordson Heights area. Jerry spoke fondly of his childhood and the warmth created by his dad through laughter. Jerry would laugh so hard recounting the past: sneaking up behind his mom in the kitchen and untying her apron over and over, teasing his sisters Judy (Ron) Hartman, Jean (Bill) Eads and Joyce Blount. He also looked up to his big brother Jim (Jackie) Blount who was always there for him not only as a brother but also a mentor. We all know that “Jimmie” was one of the first to welcome him home. Jerry enjoyed playing baseball, football and being the high school basketball statistician. He graduated from Garfield Senior High School in 1967 and pursued his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University with a degree in History. Jerry’s career was varied but always successful and satisfying. His work included being in the advertising department for The Journal News in high school and Field Captain for the Cincinnati Bengals. However, most of his career and success was in the cable industry for 36 years as a general manager and consultant, leading sales and acquisitions in multiple metropolitan markets. Despite the multiple roles and industries, Jerry’s true dream of retirement was to fulfill his dream of teaching. His passion for teaching brought him to a substitute teacher role in the Prescott / Prescott Valley area schools including Tri City Prep, Arizona Agribusiness & Equine and Canyon View Prep. When asked what he preferred teaching, he would laugh and say “...everything” but History was his favorite. His students loved him for his corny “dad” style jokes. He was a one of a kind teacher who loved teaching and mentoring teenagers with passion and respect. The passion and respect was returned when the students knew Jerry would be showing up in their classroom. Jerry and his corny “dad” style jokes were not reserved just for his students. He was a loving and compassionate person who loved to be silly and make people laugh. He was known for his long, entertaining stories which he loved to repeat. Whether it was his jokes or his contagious laugh, you couldn’t help but laugh with him. Some may remember him imitating the notorious Beach Boys “wipeout” laugh. Jerry met his high school sweetheart and bride to be Dorothy at a YMCA dance in May 1964. Her big brown eyes, special smile and that watermelon skirt created 51 years of marriage and their proudest achievements: two of the most amazing children (Jeffrey and Jaime). In addition to raising their two wonderful children, Jerry and Dorothy enjoyed their time together playing games everyday. One of their favorite games, The Settlers Of Catan, was played so often that the ink wore off the cards and could barely be read. He also enjoyed the mental challenge of Sudoku while Dorothy peacefully read a book at his side. Ticket to Ride was a recent favorite, which Dorothy is forever grateful that this was the last game they played together shortly before he was chosen to begin his next journey home. While both Jerry and Dorothy enjoyed playing games, one of his favorite hobbies was woodcarving. Whether he whittled a piece of scrap oak into a standing bear or a perched owl for his grandchildren, or put the final touches of a buffalo for Dorothy that she will always cherish, you could always find a table full of tools in his garage to etch the smallest details into his carvings. He also liked to sketch and one of his goals was to finish the drawing of his childhood home (Shirley Ave), where he had so many fond memories of his early years. Jerry had a love affair with cookies, spice cake with chocolate frosting, pies (especially rhubarb, mincemeat and apple) and anything dark chocolate. He loved the holidays and the Blount noodles (his mother’s recipe) were a traditional favorite. Some of his other Hamilton, Ohio favorites were Skyline Chili, Richard’s Steak Sandwiches and Chester’s Pizza. He had very fond memories of dates with his bride and their high school friends eating his favorite lasagna at Isgro’s Ristorante Italiano. Jerry was a devoted and loving father. He was their biggest cheerleader. You could always find him on the sidelines during Jeff’s soccer, baseball and football games or in the stands cheering on Jaime during dance recitals and halftime shows. He was so proud of his children and couldn’t help but brag about their life accomplishments: Jeff’s Air Force career, Jaime’s teaching career, the grandchildren and great grandchildren that they gave him. He was the proud grandfather of Daphne (Matthew), Michelle (Nathan), Sammi, Joshua and Anderson. Jerry was the great-grandfather of Mason, Zoey, Benjamin, Olivia, Samuel and Isabella. His grandchildren loved him so much that they actually laughed at his “dad” jokes. One of many fond memories that will be so missed is when he would greet them with a bear hug, tickle them and say, “Hey kid!” When he left, he would grab them with another bear hug and say “love ya kid!” in his gravel Grandpa/Gampy voice. He was their favorite history teacher and his eyes would light up when they would sit with him on the couch and watch the History Channel together. He was the proudest grandfather at their games, concerts and graduations. His love for family extended well past the Blount name and was heartfelt by his daughter-in-heart (Janine) and son-in-heart (Henry) and their families too. There were countless nights enjoying home-cooked meals provided by Janine and Henry accompanied with a side of laughter and happiness. Whether the meal was bloemkool met gehaktballen (a traditional Dutch dish) or a random mix of BBQ pork fried rice, grilled chimichurri steak and a Caesar salad, the food and wine provided warmth in the belly but it was Jerry who provided warmth to the hearts of the guests at the dinner table. He wanted nothing more than for all his family to have a wonderful and happy life. Jerry will be so missed by his faithful, furry companion, Max. Max loved their daily ritual: morning snuggle time just before the alarm music chimed “Angel Feathers,” playing fetch, the daily walk, sitting on the bench together in their yard and Max’s favorite, Jerry sharing a bite of his cookie. Jerry will be forever remembered and deeply missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends. We look forward to hearing about their fond memories of Jerry. His new journey began May 1, 2020 at the young age of 71, surrounded by his wife and children; the Lord took Jerry’s hand and walked him to the other side. There will be no memorial service because Jerry would love his memory to be honored by you taking a close friend or relative out for coffee or a meal, watching an Ohio State Buckeye football game, or learning to play his favorite board games. Don’t forget to SMILE, knowing he will be there. Jerry had a deep passion and respect for America’s military. The countless number of military personnel that lost their lives to keep this country free and strong brought a great feeling of patriotism to Jerry. Teaching the history of this country to students brought him great pride to represent the country in all manners. His love and dedication for this country can be reciprocated by your efforts. Memorial tributes may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Jerry’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the doctors and nurses at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, the Good Samaritan Society, Prescott Hospice & Marley House, and Sunrise Funeral Home (all located in Prescott, AZ). Photos of his journey are available at https://jerrysjourney.shutterfly.com/

Jerry Charles Blount

January 9, 1949 - May 1, 2020