Jerry Thames was born June 10, 1931, in the Swampers community of Winnsboro, Franklin Parish, Louisiana. He was the firstborn of Mr. Billy Thames and Mrs. Charlotte Thames. On the occasion of his first birthday in 1932, his mother wrote in a letter for him when he grows up, "Jerry's birthday, He is walking independently, I baked him a cake and put a candle on it. He is so sweet. Playing with the neighbors looking so joyful".That was the word to perfectly describe him "Joyful".He was never down, always "Joyful".

Jerry grew up in the Swampers community, sharing chores and adventures with his two loving siblings, John "Bud" Thames and Audrey Thames Hoover. Jerry showed his mechanical and creative gifts early in life, crafting items such as a parachute made of baby blankets, a sled made from a cultivator pulled behind a horse, and his first "motorcycle" made from a bicycle and washing machine motor. Bud often filled the roles of co-conspirator and test pilot, while Audrey tried to tag along but was often sent home when her older brothers threw corn cobs at her.

Jerry was a young man working on his father's farmland in the 1950s, Jerry Thames looked up into the skies as an airplane soared above. "That's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to be up there."

He was a member of St Mary's Church and graduated from Crowville High School in 1951. He then pursued his dream of conquering the skies above by enrolling at Northeast Louisiana State College (now ULM) where he was active in the school leadership roles. He graduated with a BS in Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness and entered into active civil service where he worked with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1961 as a commissioned officer in charge of Louisiana a . During his service in the (USDA), Jerry completed a Master's Degree in Agriculture Engineering, later that year he shifted his focus on his father's farm. As he will always say that was his legacy and needed to take his father's farming business to another height. He went on to earn

numerous citations and awards including, the best crops cultivating farmer in the state of New Orleans. Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award. The award was presented during the Louisiana Farm Bureau Annual Conventions, As the YF&R Achievement Award winner. It is safe to say he was a man of many attributes, he had the skills to handcraft his hand watches, and shoes, and Jerry put his creativity and engineering skills to use for his friends and family. He constructed and perfected many unique and beautiful woodcraft items such as furniture, jewelry boxes, clocks, and numerous musical instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, a cello, a ukulele, and a violin. Those blessed and fortunate enough to have received a "Jerry Thames Original", know they have something special because he never made the same thing twice.

With his passing on May 23, 2022, in his residence, Jerry leaves behind his two adorable children Patrick Thames and Janet Thames, LA will also miss him greatly, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation for Jerry will be held at 10:00 AM, Tue, May 31st, 2022, at Dennard First National Funeral Home in Winnsboro, LA. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM with Bro Marion Collier officiating at St Mary's Church, Winnsboro LA. He will be buried in the Thames family plot at Harris Cemetery near Crowville.

The last few months of his life were impacted by illness and pain that slowed his pace but never dimmed his brilliant mind or quick wit. With his passing, he has once again, "slipped the surly bonds of Earth and touched the face of God."

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