In the words of Jerry Joe:

My dad was one of the kindest, most loving people I’ve ever known. He loved me and my brother so deeply, and he made sure we always knew it. He loved our mom, and he cared so much about everyone in his life. He lived with a quiet, steady warmth that made people feel safe and cared for.

To me, he wasn’t just a father—he was my friend, my mentor, my role model. We talked every day, about everything—politics, my yard, my job, or just the little boring parts of life. He loved those small details. He loved hearing about my trips, how the garden was doing, what was going on at work. He was curious and engaged, and he genuinely cared.

One of my favorite memories was going on drives with him. He’d point out deer, jackrabbits, hawks—he noticed things most people didn’t. He appreciated the small joys in life. We’d sit and watch the deer in West Texas. We’d go see a movie. We’d just be together, and that was enough.

He was always proud of me—of the work I did, my time in the Navy, my commission work—and he told me. I try to live a life he would be proud of, every day.

And he was there for me, through everything. When I was going through cancer treatment last year, my dad came with me to appointments. He sat with me, talked to my doctors, asked questions. Even when he was struggling with his own health, he still put me first. That’s who he was. He always asked about other people, even when he was in pain himself.

He showed us what it means to be a good man. To work hard. To love fully. To lead with kindness. I often think of him as someone like Mister Rogers—gentle, generous, and full of quiet strength. I don’t think anyone ever left a conversation with my dad without feeling seen and valued.

I miss him so much. I miss being able to call him, to talk about nothing and everything. But I carry his voice with me. He shaped who I am. And I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to live by the example he set.

I love you, Dad. And I miss you every day.

In the words of Father Kris (Priest):

Death has never been easy to anyone in the history of mankind. It seems so final and shocking.

We know that we are here on earth just for a moment, but when the time comes to depart, we are overwhelmed and numb.

In this state of mournful disbelief, it is good to be together.

I wish I could be there in person with all of you, but be assured that I am there in the spirit.

Indeed, there is an appointed time for everything and I know, that Jerry had his share in what this earthly journey offers.

His story of life is already closed, but we are privileged to know Jerry. Let’s then thank God that we are part of this story.

Treasure those moments and share them here and now. Keep Jerry alive in your memories.

For now we pay our final respects, but we will see Jerry again in the next life.

My deepest sympathies to you Pam and your family. May the Lord comfort you in your grief. Be assured, that Jerry is in the presence of God and the heavenly realm is his reward.

May Jerry rest in peace, and for all of us, who are still here, may our lives be filled with many amazing moments.

Celebrate your lives and support lovingly each other.

Eternal rest grant unto Jerry, Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him forever. Amen.

Thankyou Jerry for being my friend -- how many talks and how much laughter in five years!!  What a gift to share the joy and pride with you and Pam of our beautiful children, whose union brought us together and gave us the chance to become family, sharing the sweetest moments and memories.

How I will miss our long chats solving the world's problems, always hoping for a better future for our children. Hearing yours and Pam's travel stories, going on our beach and other trips, and playing Mexican Train!

Thank you for being the BEST father-in-law to my girl. She couldn't have asked for better than you and Pam -- such a gift, just as Nick, Pam, Jerry Joe and you were to me!  We always said we all hit the jackpot when our two found each other. Thank you and Pam for raising your two wonderful boys to be who they are. Your legacy will live on through them.

And so Super Jerry, until we meet again someday, your sweet and joyful soul will live forever in our hearts...

Diana

Dearest Pam, Jerry Joe, Nick and the Benson family,

We are so sorry for your loss.  Our hearts go out to you all.  What an impact Jerry had on so many people, as well as the "Freeman" family for many many years.  We love you like our family.  He was a great husband to Pam and father to Jerry Joe and Nick.  He always was so proud of his family and "wow" his faith was indescribable.  He was also such an amazing friend to us, especially Robert.  They both are one of a kind.  The tales they told.  The laughter that we had.  We will cherish forever.  We love you all and are here for you all forever.  For you Jerry, such an angel you were and is forever an angel now, we will miss you forever and cherish all the memories."  Please take care of all of us.   Love, "The Freeman's"