Geraldine "Gerry" A. James

Geraldine “Gerry” Ann James was born on December 20, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Carl and Anna Eppich.  After high school, she would meet Walter “Bud” James and then on September 25th, 1965, they would marry.   They would enjoy over 57 years of marriage together.  They began a life-long journey together, establishing a home for themselves in North Olmsted, Ohio as well as being blessed with four children; Denise, Stephen, Craig, and Sheila.  Gerry and Bud would later move their family to Fort Wayne, Indiana.  She and her family joined St. Charles Borromeo Parrish and have been active members since. She enjoyed cooking food for parish members and families, especially cookies!  Gerry took pride in her children continuing their faith and education in Catholic schools as well as each of them earning their respective college degrees.  In fact, she became a college student and earned an Associate Degree from Purdue University, Fort Wayne (PFW) while working as an administrative assistant at the university.  She would retire as an administrative assistant in the Development Office in 2004.  Gerry was known for her strong work ethic and the importance of education, which she imparted upon her children.

In addition to raising her family with her trusty endless cup of coffee, Gerry bowled at Buckeye Lanes, and camped at Shawnee Lake Campgrounds.  She would play Pinochle with her sister, Joan, and friends.  She sewed clothing for her children and taught herself to crochet, with blankets being her specialty.  Gerry also attended cake decorating classes with her close friend, Carol.  Regardless of her instructor’s assessment, her creations were always given an A+ by her family.  She would spend time as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Badge Mom.  Later in life, Gerry could be found often at the local YMCA water aerobics classes, playing bingo, and of course, more shopping!  

Throughout her life, Gerry enjoyed a wide range of activities and hobbies with her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed shopping wherever she was, including local neighborhood garage sales.  She also enjoyed hosting her own garage sales as well as Denise’s and Craig’s.  She was always up for a round of golf with Steve or more shopping, baking, and Cleveland Indians games with Denise and granddaughters, Sammi and Jacci.  She enjoyed attending sporting events and school activities with grandsons, Carson, Nathan, and Brendan.  Moreover, she traveled to the Southeastern US to spend time with Sheila, Scott, and her grandsons Scott and Trevor.  Gerry’s favorite thing in life was definitely being a wife, mom and grandma.  She was always a phone call away to chat or a tip on a sale (i.e, shopping)! 

Gerry passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023, at Bright Star Senior Living after battling dementia.  She was a beloved by family and friends.  Gerry is survived by her husband, Walter “Bud”, her daughter, Denise Mericle, and grand-daughters Samantha and Jacqueline; son, Stephen; son, Craig (Kimberly) and grandsons Carson, Nathan, and Brendan; daughter, Sheila Wever (Scott), and grandsons, Scott, Trevor, and two step-grandsons; her sister, Joan Miller (Robert), and many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in-law, and numerous friends. 

Preferred memorials are Bright Star Senior Living or St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.