James Elliot “Jim” Gerald 77, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, February 18, at Ottawa Funeral Home with Fr. Nicholas Wilson officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00pm noon until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.
Jim was born October 20, 1945, in Mullins, South Carolina, to William Franklin and Georgianna (Brown) Gerrald. He married the love of his life, Pamela Beutler in 1967 at St. Patrick’s Catholic church in Ottawa. She passed away July 28, 1998.
Jim served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for Advanced Thermal Corporation as a quality control supervisor at the surrounding power plants. He was an avid golfer and walker. He enjoyed spending his mornings either golfing with his friends, aka “The Dew Sweepers,” or going for walks around Ottawa. Jim loved to travel, especially to Myrtle Beach to see his family. He had an ear for music and could always be found on the dance floor. Jim was a beloved “Papa” and treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren. He particularly loved swimming and eating family meals together. He was a member of Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course and St. Francis Catholic Church.
He is survived by his daughter, Jamie (Edward) Terry; his granddaughters, Sydney (Christian Santoy) Strobel and Savannah (Eddie Hettel) Strobel; his brother, Donald (Sue) Gerrald; his sister, Frankie Ellis; his special friend, Tess Burke; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 31 years, Pamela; his son, Aric Gerald; and his sisters, Jean Stevens, Audrey Barto, Margie McCaw, and Georgia Mildice.
Pallbearers will be Bob Thrush, Jerry DeBernardi, Rod Rosencrans, Ed Terry, Christian Santoy, Eddie Hettel and honorary Pallbearer Carl LeBeau.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Jim has been laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms at Oakwood Memorial Park.