Jerold Lee "Jerry" Milks

MILKS Jerold "Jerry" Lee Jerold "Jerry" Lee Milks, 53, went home to be with the Lord in a tragic motorcycle accident in the evening hours of Monday, July 23, 2007. Jerry was wearing a motorcycle helmet, as always, but the Lord had greater plans for him and called him home. Jerry's family rejoices that he wholeheartedly loved Jesus and desired so many to come to know him. He planted seeds everywhere he went, in a way only he could. He leaves behind a family of five women who desperately love him. He was the rock that each of them returned to again and again. He supported them in everything they did. They always knew that Dad was just a phone call away, no matter what. Jerry was so proud of each of his daughters. Both of his twin daughters, Jamithy and Kristi (28), chose to give their children what their Dad and Mom gave them. They are strong, motivated mothers to each of their three children. Jamithy has a strong desire to get the love of Christ to tribal people who have no means of knowing Christ; she and her family are preparing to graduate from New Tribes Bible Institute, and plan to continue their training with New Tribes Mission. They are planning on serving overseas. Kristi is a proud mom who loves her children so very much. Jerry would recognize her strong, independent personality and ability to persevere no matter what the situation, as well as the strong example she is to her own children. She realizes her children are gifts from the Lord and devotes her time to them, teaching them to grow in Christ and become strong individuals themselves who will love the Lord and others with all their heart, values that were instilled in her. Kori (25), who worked happily and loyally with her best bud, Dad, on the job during most of her home school years, earned her bachelor's degree in English and is now working on her master's degree in rhetoric and composition at The Ohio State University (Jerry would say "Go Blue!"). Elisha (21) followed in her parent's favorite hobby and started her college career at Owens Community College playing volleyball. Jerry and Linda loved going to every one of Elisha's games during high school and college (at home or out of town). Elisha is about to embark on a new adventure, continuing to work on her bachelor's degree at the University of Toledo. Elisha will most miss her Dad's constant ability to "push her buttons" and irritate her with his knowing smirk and "gross" slobbery kisses, all the while making her feel safe and secure in his love. Jerry was a master at fixing anything that needed fixing (sometimes anything that just needed to be "better"). He had an endlessly generous heart and loved to help anyone who needed help. Jerry began working in plumbing and heating in 1971 in a high school co-op program. He graduated from Summerfield. He followed his father and brother in the sheet metal trade and was a journeyman sheet metal worker with Local 6 (33). In 1979, he began his own plumbing and heating business, Jerry Milks Plumbing and Heating (later J & M Mechanical Services), and enjoyed the hard work that supported his family. Jerry's family was his top priority. He worked hard to make ends meet. The most important thing to him about his business was his ability to "make his own hours" and be involved in his family's life. Somehow he managed to do this, accomplishing the job titles of provider to five women, home school Dad, master chef and nutritionist, handyman, pool boy, landscaper, builder, mentor to husbands, biker, and most importantly, a witness for his Lord. Jerry valued his many loyal customers. He always did his best to be there when they were in need. Often, his family found him hopping into his "big white truck" in the middle of the night to go fix a furnace that had gone out. More than once, tender hearted Jerry came home with a stray dog that a customer had come across; despite any quirks (crazy Toby!), the dog became a beloved family member. Jerry loved his business, his customers, and those who worked with him, especially his daughter, Kori, each of his sons-in-law, Aaron, Jason, and Jeff, and his buddies, Mike and Ted. Jerry was involved in the men's ministry at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church and a great encouragement everywhere he could be. One of his favorite activities was helping cook for the Men's Annual Wild Game dinner and inviting every man he knew. Jerry and his wife, Linda, enjoyed being part of the "regulars" group at Rumors, their favorite restaurant. It was odd for a night to pass when they didn't spend time there, and the bartenders Carol and Stacey would certainly notice the lack of Jerry's boisterous (to say the least) voice. Jerry was a proud member (along with his daughter, friend, and often co-worker, Kori) of his morning breakfast club, traditionally held at his favorite Point Place restaurant, King's Taste. He loved his friends there and made it a point to show them by obnoxiously teasing them about anything he could think of. We know he'd say a special goodbye to Barb, Bob, Diane, Denny, Joe, Jim, and Ted (his other best bud). Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Bert; step father, William Mayfield Sr., and his brother, Jim. He is survived by his wife, high school sweet heart, and friend of thirty-five years, Linda, and his four daughters, Jamithy (Aaron Sawade), Kristi (Jason Pfaff), Korinne (Jeffrey King) and his baby, Elisha (and her boyfriend, David Condon). Also surviving him is his loving mother, Gloria, who enjoyed hanging out with her son (and the occasional bike ride on his favorite toy); his brother, Jack; his sisters, Janet and Julie, his parents-in-law, Jim and Dot Wilson; his six grandkids, Austin, Faithmarie, Ethan, Kristalynn, Brayden, and Holden, and his good friends, Danielle and Dylan; also 8 step brothers and sisters. A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church on Dixie in Monroe, Michigan. A memorial service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to the family (Linda Milks). Good friends of the family have organized a benefit in honor of Jerry, to help the family. The benefit will be held August 5th at Sammy's on Central and Centennial. Further details available at the visitation. Everyone is welcome. Also, donations may be given to the Jerry Milks Memorial Fund at any Charter One Bank. The family thanks their friend, Denny and the Blanchard-Strabler Funeral Home, (1163 W. Sylvania at Lockwood, 419-269-1111), who handled the services. Online condolences: www.blanchardstrabler.com