"The family of Gene McAtee would like to express our sympathy. Gene is now on hospice in Kansas City and has suffered from Alzheimer?s for many years. And though we, his children, did not know Jerry, Jerry was one of the last people our father remembered and spoke of from their years growing up together. I would love to have a conversation with you one day."
In loving memory of
Jerry George
Jerry George, 83, joined his eternal Father on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2018. He died with his wife Dana holding his hand and his children at his side at Sherman House, Hospice of the Valley.
Jerry was born in St. Paul, Kansas to Edward and Eileen George. He talked with fondness of his life growing up like Huckleberry Finn. He had four brothers and three sisters to share the adventures with, Joann, Jack, Ted, Richard, Donna, Frank and Paula. He graduated from St. Francis High School, proudly saying he was number 11 in a class of 12. He attended St. Benedicts, Tulsa University, Parsons Junior College, Wichita University, Kansas State College of Pittsburg, Kansas and received his Doctorate in Education from ASU. Jerry arrived in Arizona 52 years ago (in a Rambler with 4 mis-matched tires), with his former wife Jane Ann George and at that time five of his six children.
Jerry dedicated his life to public education, and he led Glendale Union High School District to exemplary status. He was a teacher, coach, assistant administrator, and served as Superintendent for 15 years. He was recognized as National Superintendent of the Year in 1992.
Jerry knew his cancer was spreading and his time was limited, but he would not write his life accomplishments. He was too humble to crow about what he had done. We asked others to tell us about how he changed their lives, and Jerry's spirit and commitment emerged in their stories.
Margaret Garcia Dugan, Educator:
"There are three people who set up the conditions for my professional success: my parents and Dr. Jerry George. Working for the Glendale Union High School District from the mid 70's under the leadership of Dr. George afforded me with the tools and knowledge to become a highly competent teacher and administrator. After retirement in the early 2000's, I assumed the position of Deputy Superintendent of Education for the State of Arizona and visited over 100 schools/districts in the state, which allowed me to recognize how great Glendale Union High School District truly was. I always knew I had been blessed to work in the educational environment which Dr. George had led, but never realized how great it was until I actually saw with my own eyes what other school districts and schools afforded their staffs. For the eight years I worked at the Dept. of Education, I implemented many programs and ideas which I had experienced in the GUHSD. The rest of the state is now implementing many of the programs and ideas Dr. George put in place during his 15 years as Superintendent. If all districts and schools had benefited from the leadership of Dr. Jerry George, no one would ever have considered public education anything but great."
Business Associate:
"The world is a darker place today without Jerry's light in it. He was one of a kind. He was one of the smartest, most generous, most loving, and most business savvy people I have ever known. It was a magical combination that was uniquely Jerry, and what created his Midas touch. I learned a lot from him. Maybe the most important thing I learned is to live every day to the fullest. Crow like a rooster, drink your scotch, smoke your cigar, drive like a madman, and defy the odds. He lived every one of his nine lives with gusto."
Buck Ireland, young friend:
"I have never in my life been so honored to receive a gift! Yesterday morning a very close friend passed at daylight. I was 1000 miles North staring into the same morning sky in amazement. When I heard of his passing, of course I was sad, but I smiled because I have never been so sure of someone going to Heaven. There was never a time that we spent together that we did not have to say a prayer or ten. I'm pretty sure he thought of me as a major work in progress. He treated me like gold and wanted every detail about my life, the good and the bad. The most humble, very successful man I've ever met. I remember he would take me to smoke these fancy high dollar cigars and all I could think about is how I could probably get a new saddle for the price of this cigar. I actually said that to him and he just laughed, and I was dead serious. Three days ago I spoke with him on the phone. He asked about the cattle, even what I called the horse I was riding that day, I answered "sorry bastard" is what I've been calling him most of the morning. He chuckled and told me I was one of his favorites. It was one of his last wishes that I got this cross that he loved and wore every day. I'll accept with pride Jerry! Till we meet again my good friend."
Jerry leaves behind his loving wife of 19 years, Dana; six children Gerald Jr., Gwendolyn, Elizabeth, Johanna, Christopher and Casey; three step-children Kent, Scott and Matt Wilson and all their spouses; and not to forget his fun brother and sisters-in-law. Between Jerry and Dana there are 24 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Jerry had two other precious families. One was his Brother Buddies at the Ambassador Cigar Shop and his large group of Prayer Friends at St Joseph's Catholic Church. He was known as a fixture in the Adoration Chapel.
The memorial is at 10:30 AM Saturday December 8, 2018. The service will be at Jerry's beloved St. Joseph Parish, 11001 N. 40th Street, Phoenix 85028. Celebration of Life to follow at Embassy Suites, 4415 E. Paradise Village Pkwy. S, Phoenix 85032.
Please no flowers, if you would like to send a donation, please address it to Jerry's favorite charity, Mother Teresa of Calcutta - Phoenix location Missionaries of Charity, 1414 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix 85007. Visit https://hansenmortuary.wpengine.com for condolences.
Tributes
"When I think of Uncle Jerry there are two emotions that I strongly feel: gratitude and love. And it is out of that gratitude and love that I am compelled (as are so many others) to travel whether near or from afar in order to be present at his memorial and celebrate his life, a life worth living."
"I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Jerry George, but I learned firsthand how very generous he was ~ I was a member of St. Joseph's Church when my daughter and grandchildren were left in a terrible financial situation as a result of a divorce stemming from domestic violence. They were left with nothing except a house she could not afford to keep. The bank was about to take the house ,foreclosure was around the corner and Jerry George's generosity saved the house for her and the children and this enabled her to put her life back together again. We will never forget his kindness and we will always keep him in our prayers. We were very lucky to have Mr. George come into our lives when we needed help so very much. May he rest in peace always in the Arms of Our Lord."
"THANKSGIVING 22, 2018 TO: Jerry George Family and Friends, Jerry was such a Spiritual, Compassionate and Generous man. He spread his love in many ways . One way was when he helped a St Joseph friends's daughter and children financially for a year to save their home. Another way was his cards on Prayer. He would pass out a yellow card with a word and a smile, it reminded me of our Prayer Group at St Joseph feeling Hope and Love. Jerry George you are loved and will always be missed. May perpetual light shine on you, rest in peace."
"My sincere sympathy is given to all of Jerry's family. Jerry loomed very large in my life as I worked for and with him for over 20 years. He was a visionary and worked toward the goal of increased student learning in the Glendale Union High School District and across the country. His work in Criterion Referenced Education and Testing was years ahead of its time. I will forever be in his debt as he respected my work and allowed me and others to continue to grow and learn in our jobs. Go in peace, Jerry, and know that you made a great difference in many lives."
"Jerry blessed me by allowing me to come and be his caregiver for him while Dana went out of state. Jerry opened himself up and allowed me take care of him and allowed me to pray the rosary with him nightly and a few times during the day. But Jerry's final blessing and one that will life thru me for the rest of my life came at the Hospice center the day before the Lord called him home. I came into his room grabbed his hand, just as Fr. Reggie began the rosary, the way Jerry recited it and he looked up at me, I said "Oh Jerry I'm so sorry" He responded "Frankie this is one part of life that we all must face and i am ready" His strength and love for the Lord was fully committed and he was prepared and awaiting the Lords call. I believe that the Lord reached out and brought him home. I truly loved him as tho he was my own step father. I bid you peace and eternal rest. God bless us and have mercy on us ALL."
"Sending Prayers of Comfort and Peace!!! Have been Blessed by this man and his namesake for many years (NSCI) and the Boat (Ship) Stories!!! Grateful to have worked with Jerry and Jerry George, they just made everything a lot better!!! Sad for this moment, Grateful for the memories and knowing my Boys are showing Jerry around Heaven right now (\o/)(\o/)(\o/\O/) continued Prayers for the entire family and friends in JESUS name!"
"Our deepest sympathy to Dana and the family of Jerry George. He most certainly was ahead of his time with the innovations which he incorporated to make GUHSD become a hallmark school district both in Arizona and nationally. We regret that we will be unable to attend the memorial service but know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers."
"Dana, Both Bob & I want to offer our condolences to you and your Family! May he RIP!"
"We, at St. Joseph Parish, will miss Jerry rambling around the grounds, in the church visiting all the stations of the cross, reflecting in the Adoration Chapel, and 'peddling' his prayer books. May he rest in peace."