Jerome (Jerry) Anthony Rumery, 86, of Grand Rapids, MI went to his heavenly home on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Sunset Manor in Jenison, MI. A celebration of Life service will take place at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1025 3 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, 49505, on Saturday, October 4, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service starting at 10 a.m.  Rev. Molly Bosscher will officiate. 

Born in David City, Nebraska, Jerry attended David City St. Mary’s and graduated from Maur Hill Prep School, in Atchison, Kansas. An accomplished athlete lettering in football, basketball, swimming/diving, and track, Jerry was part of St. Mary’s 1958 state championship football team, tried out for the U.S. Olympic team for swimming and diving, and set the shot-put record at Maur Hill. A Tin Can sailor in the U.S. Navy, he served as a radioman aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. Buck receiving a commendation for his service and contribution to the good morale of his fellow sailors. Near the end of his service, he met the love of his life and moved to Grand Rapids, MI. He attended drafting school, and worked at Granco Clark for 38 years, first as a draftsman and then as a purchasing agent. After retiring, Jerry worked at Boulder Creek Golf Club and volunteered at North End Community Ministry (NECM) food pantry until he turned 80. He collected Family Fare Direct for Dollars receipts for NECM for several years, raising thousands of dollars for the charity.  Jerry had many interests over the years—he particularly enjoyed woodworking, golfing, collecting pop tabs for different charities, serving on the vestry at Oakview Reformed Church, and playing games with his family and friends. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Theresa Rumery; and his seven siblings, Rev. Fr. Roger Rumery, Kenneth (Donna Jean) Rumery, Eileen Rumery, Mary Lou (Robert) Mayer, Jeanette (Roy) Mayeda, Edna (Fred) Hishinuma, and Robert (Theda) Rumery. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn; his children, Kris (Bob) Brown, Glenn (Dr. Shelley Binkley) Rumery, and David (Barbie) Rumery; his granddaughter, Lucy Rumery; and his sisters-in-law, Theda Rumery, Wilma Cogswell, and Helen Nagelkirk.

Jerry will be fondly remembered as a man whose quick wit, infectious humor, and legendary tall tales could light up any room—even in his final weeks, he never lost the ability to brighten someone’s day. A spirited competitor at heart, Jerry brought passion and playfulness to every card game, board game, and shuffle match, passing down his love for games and sharp skills to his children.

He led by quiet example, never seeking recognition but always stepping up to do what needed to be done. His hands-on approach to life was matched by a deep curiosity and love of adventure. Jerry took his family on countless road trips—journeys that stitched together memories of national parks, roadside attractions, and visits with extended family. He gave them moments they’d never forget: witnessing the first space shuttle on the launch pad in Florida, being pulled through the water by dolphins, dining at the legendary Casa Bonita in Colorado, and standing face-to-face with the Goodyear blimp.

Education was a value he held close, and he encouraged his children and granddaughter to work hard and aim high. He beamed with pride knowing they all earned college degrees. Jerry was also a devoted dad, sharing his time and wisdom through camping trips, ball games, and practical lessons that stuck for life.

A treasure hunter at heart, Jerry loved flea markets and estate sales, always on the lookout for hidden gems he could restore and repurpose. He had a particular knack for finding lost golf balls—thousands of them over the years—and gave each one a second chance. His thoughtfulness showed in the smallest gestures: bringing sugar packets and creamer to coffee gatherings for a friend in assisted living, offering thrifted trinkets with sentimental value, or making a special trip to Meijer for saltines and 7-Up when someone wasn’t feeling well.

Jerry’s collections told stories of their own—agates, Petoskey stones, and logo golf balls, pens, wooden nickels—and his creativity knew no bounds. He crafted jewelry, candles, hooked rugs, birdhouses, wooden toys, and more, each piece a reflection of his hands-on spirit and generous heart.

Interment will be in Rest Lawn Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to North End Community Ministry, Grand Rapids, MI (necmgr.org) or Sunset Legacy Foundation in Jenison, MI.