Jerry Gavin 7/9/1949-5/13/2023

Gerard (Jerry) Gavin passed peacefully from this world with his wife and children by his side holding his hands to help him transition from this life to the next. Jerry always believed there was more than just this one life to live and he was not afraid to find out what was lying ahead.

Born to James V. and Mary Agnes (Lernahan) Gavin in Kansas City, Missouri July 9th, 1949. Jerry grew up with a strong love for family and friends and never met a challenge he could not face head on. Diagnosed with Polio at the age of one he learned to love life every moment as he conquered the horrible disease. He walked without his leg braces for the first time and made his parents so proud.

In grade school and beyond he was an avid golfer and loved playing lead guitar and singing in his band “The Jademen” playing all around the local hotspots in Kansas and Missouri.

After graduation he spent 8 years in California gaining his pilot’s license and giving flying lessons before moving back to Kansas City. He had a lucrative career as a pilot and became a captain for Southwest Airlines, a dream since he was a small child. Close to 40 years Jerry flew commercial airplanes, never once forgetting to bring back all the hotel soaps and shampoos as souvenirs for the kids.

In 1985 Jerry met the love of his life, Gail and decided there was no one else he could imagine growing old with. Married in June of 1987 Jerry and Gail spent 36 years together where they started a family and went on countless adventures together across country. Jerry enjoyed taking road trips with Gail and their children, exploring the desert, grand canyon and his favorite Red Rock park of Sedona.

Jerry enjoyed spending hot summer days out on the lake, driving his boat and watching the family swim and sun. Every summer as the kids grew up there was a special trip to Stockton lake planned.

His family was his life and ultimately the thing he was proud of the most. He supported them relentlessly and instilled an air of kindness into any life lesson he taught them. He loved having the entire family and grandkids over for Saturday night dinners laughing and grilling out steaks. Playing and being silly with his three grandchildren was what he always looked forward to. Many forts and castles were built from living room pillows and blankets and Jerry was right in there with them. He especially loved taking his first grand baby, Tara to the pond to catch frogs and tadpoles. There was truly nothing he wouldn’t do for his kids or theirs and his love overflowed for them all. Until the time of his passing he never let a day go by without hugging his family and telling them how much he loved them.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother Mary Agnes and his Father James. Later in life he said goodbye to his older brother as well, James (Jimmy) Gavin in 2011. He is survived by his sweetheart Gail Gavin and their three children, Tom (Hannah) Gavin and their son Rowan, Christen (Chad) Perkins and their daughter Scarlett, and Erin Gavin and her daughter Tara.

There will never be a day gone by that his loving presence won’t be felt in the heart of his family. To know Jerry was to love him and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who didn’t love him.

A family celebration of Jerry will be held at a later date however,

condolences may be left for the family at:  https://everloved.com/life-of/gerard-gavin/  Arrangements entrusted to Cashatt Legacy Funerals, Platte Woods, Missouri. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/gerard-gavin/obituary/

Copy