Jerome Paul “Jerry” Curry

Jerome Paul “Jerry” Curry was born on August 18, 1939, to Gulledge Eustus and Christine Mary (née Martin) Curry in Indianapolis, Indiana. He passed peacefully into God’s loving embrace on June 26, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri, at age 85.

Jerry was a beloved brother, father, husband, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his brother, Jimmy; his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and cherished friends.

After graduating from high school in Mountain Home, Arkansas, Jerry earned a scholarship to attend Arkansas Tech University. He served proudly in the United States Army, but his life’s passion was always writing. Over the years, he worked as a journalist and editor for several newspapers, including covering the 1969 moon landing for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. His love for storytelling culminated in his published book, God, Jim-O and Billy-Be-Damned Johnson: A Parable of the 21st Century.

Jerry was a voracious reader whose personal library filled multiple bookshelves and spilled into every corner of his home. Each shelf reflected a deep and enduring love of learning and a curiosity that never waned. He found joy in learning at every stage of life. With such a sharp mind, he enjoyed discussing politics, philosophy, history, literature, and theology, and never passed up the opportunity for meaningful conversation or spirited debate.

He was a man of eclectic tastes. The media he enjoyed ranged from classic Westerns and Sherlock Holmes mysteries to SpongeBob SquarePants, CatDog, and the Angry Birds movies. He had a particular love for the Star Wars saga, especially “Baby Yoda”, and arguably most important to him, the best football team: Notre Dame. He had a talent for embracing both the serious and the silly with equal joy and enthusiasm.

Jerry was an Episcopalian and a man of deep faith and strong moral conviction. He was known for his thoughtful demeanor, sharp intellect, and unwavering belief in compassion and humanitarian values.

Those who knew Jerry will remember his quiet strength, his unshakable patience, and the remarkable calm he carried through life. He never raised his voice, but his words always carried weight. He will be deeply missed, yet the warmth he brought into our lives continues to glow, making the world a better place for having known him.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Thursday, July 3, at 1 p.m. at his church, All Saints Episcopal Church in Nevada, Missouri. All who knew and loved him are invited to attend.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com