He often lectured them yet deep down he held a deep pride and faith in each of them over the years. Jerry was there each and every time they needed him. Even if his heart was breaking in the midst of their troubles, he remained silent as he watched them carve their own paths. He was the type of dad who accepted their shortcomings and mistakes by letting them find their own way. He wanted nothing than the very best for each of them. As a father, Jerry was always supportive and encouraging of his children. Together they raised three wonderful children Donna, Jerrie Lynn, and Jacqueline. Joining in marriage on May 16, 1959, at Epiphany Parish the happy couple had great plans for their future. Not to be forgotten however was the meeting of the woman who would change the course of his life forever, Cookie (Mildred) Boor! The two of them shared many commonalities and were eager to start a family of their own. Remarkably, he remained there for forty-two years before he retired in 1998. Graduating with the Class of 1957 on January 25th, he was sent off with encouragement to seek gainful employment, but never to settle for ditch digging! Jerry landed with the Wayne County Drain Commission working his way up to supervisor. He was also active in the Glee Club which only added to the strong attraction from the female students who were competing for his attention. Known as a favorite among the ladies he loved to show off by drag racing down Schoolcraft Road. Later the family moved to 10022 Marion and he started at Cooley High School. Much to their surprise, a newspaper reporter was at the pool that day taking pictures and when their father revealed their photo on the front page of the paper they were busted! Jerry attended All Saints School in his elementary years. After enjoying a day of swimming they returned home and denied they were there when questioned. Jerry said, 'Mom, David just went outside!' to which their mother responded 'Go get your brother!' He then left the house and 15 minutes later, David (already inside the house) told their mother that Jerry had gone outside! Another time they were told they couldn’t go swimming at the public pool in town, yet they borrowed their neighbor girls’ bikes and took off anyway. So, David opened the back door to the house and slammed it. Once, Jerry and his brother David wanted to go outside to play but their mother told them no. Jerry lived a typical childhood of the times and managed to muster up mischief with his younger brother, David from time to time. Joining his older sister, Eileen and later joined by his younger siblings, David and Noreen, his birth brought much joy and happiness to their loving family home. Bringing great joy to their world, Mabel and Norman Murphy welcomed their newborn baby boy, Gerald, on November 15th, to their home at 7119 Lexington Street in Detroit, Michigan. In the same year, the Boulder Dam, later renamed the Hoover Dam, was completed and Jesse Owens dominated the Berlin Olympics. In 1936 for example, Kodachrome was invented and remained a leader in both cinematography and still photography for many years. The Thirties were being marked by tough economic times, yet the decade also saw an expansion of new technologies, especially in the fields of aviation, radio, and film. His warm personality, cheerful demeanor, and steady patience will be lovingly remembered for generations to come. Always more than willing to lend a helping hand, he found great pleasure in sharing his time and resources with others. Jerry had a real knack for putting others at ease and never took anything in life too seriously. He modeled a life rich with hard work, putting others first, and being a loyal husband to the woman he loved. Jerry Murphy was a man of strong family values.
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