Jerry Pliley
June 5th, 1937 - January 31st, 2025
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Jerry's Obituary
Surrounded by loved ones, Jerry Lee Pliley of St. Joseph went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2025. Jerry was born to Earl and Treasure Pliley in Zanesville, OH on June 5, 1937. His arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Family Funeral Homes. At Jerry’s request there will be no formal services.
After graduating from Benton Harbor High School, Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home he embarked on a 30-year career with Michigan Gas Utilities. Jerry was a dedicated public servant volunteering as a fire fighter with various communities for over 35 years, ultimately retiring from Baroda Fire Department. He also served as the Mayor of Baroda in the 1970’s.
A man of great of faith Jerry was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of St. Joseph until becoming a founding member of Peace Lutheran Church. He devoted countless hours to serving the congregation in various roles from building maintenance to serving the communion.
A dedicated husband, father, step-father, grandfather and great-grandfather – Jerry is survived by his loving wife and devoted caregiver Betty, daughter Kimberly (Mike) Harris, son Brad (Maureen) Pliley, grandchildren George (Christin) Smith, Jr., April (Kyle) Gerner, Andrew Pliley, Ashley (Devin) Turner, Aubree Pliley and great-grandson James Smith. Bonus children Rick (Carol) Brooks, Mary Forbes, Kristine (Mike) Miller, Derek (Brenda) Brooks, and Karolyn (Dale) Bush. He is also survived by his sister Judy Pendergrass and sister-in-law Georgie Bradford.
Jerry was proceeded in death by the mother of his four children, wife Barbara in 1988 and by the love of his life, wife Kathryn in 2015. His daughter Brenda Hamm, son Brian Pliley, grandson Ronnie Shaver, Jr, grand-daughter Jessica Smith, as well as his three brothers Lloyd, Boyd and Russell also preceded him in death.
Memorial donations can be made in Jerry’s memory to Corewell Health Hospice of St. Joseph.
After graduating from Benton Harbor High School, Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home he embarked on a 30-year career with Michigan Gas Utilities. Jerry was a dedicated public servant volunteering as a fire fighter with various communities for over 35 years, ultimately retiring from Baroda Fire Department. He also served as the Mayor of Baroda in the 1970’s.
A man of great of faith Jerry was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of St. Joseph until becoming a founding member of Peace Lutheran Church. He devoted countless hours to serving the congregation in various roles from building maintenance to serving the communion.
A dedicated husband, father, step-father, grandfather and great-grandfather – Jerry is survived by his loving wife and devoted caregiver Betty, daughter Kimberly (Mike) Harris, son Brad (Maureen) Pliley, grandchildren George (Christin) Smith, Jr., April (Kyle) Gerner, Andrew Pliley, Ashley (Devin) Turner, Aubree Pliley and great-grandson James Smith. Bonus children Rick (Carol) Brooks, Mary Forbes, Kristine (Mike) Miller, Derek (Brenda) Brooks, and Karolyn (Dale) Bush. He is also survived by his sister Judy Pendergrass and sister-in-law Georgie Bradford.
Jerry was proceeded in death by the mother of his four children, wife Barbara in 1988 and by the love of his life, wife Kathryn in 2015. His daughter Brenda Hamm, son Brian Pliley, grandson Ronnie Shaver, Jr, grand-daughter Jessica Smith, as well as his three brothers Lloyd, Boyd and Russell also preceded him in death.
Memorial donations can be made in Jerry’s memory to Corewell Health Hospice of St. Joseph.
Memorial Contributions
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