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BORN

1952

DIED

2015

Jerry Jackson Obituary

Jerry Jackson, who taught thousands of children during the 23 years he owned Old Torrance fixture South Bay Gymnastics & Sports Complex, died Sunday at Torrance Memorial Medical Center after a two-year battle with colon cancer. He was 62.
Published by Daily Breeze on Jan. 31, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Jackson

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25 Entries

K Salas

November 5, 2015

When I was lost I turned to you for advice...
miss you jerry

1997 Kung Fu Class

Ford Edwards

July 12, 2015

I am sorry to hear that Jerry has passed, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sifu Ford Edwards

Paul Mouradjian

June 16, 2015

Goodbye old friend. I just found out where you went.

You held your secret from many. From all I have attempted to research since learning this devastating news was that you never ever gave up and called upon the light you shed on so many lives for your own strength.

I sit completely crushed by the weight of your departure. I cannot help but grieve. While we were consumed with years of work, life and responsibilities, our friendship never ever weaned.

Our families broke bread, our children became friends, and you and I shared such wonderful laughter, music and "therapeutic" sessions of vacuuming the gym!

You were such a large piece of the fabric of Torrance.

Les Heri, a martial arts teacher you hired said it best when he stated the way you approached people, "Every child is an opportunity to change the world. What he didn't mention was it didn't stop with the children. You touched so many lives of everyone who knew you.

I call upon your strength now Jerry to make sense out of all this.

GodSpeed good friend.

I haven't grieved like this since my dad passed away.

Yes, you are that special a person. I shall always love you like a brother.

Prayers Jerry.

Myah Smith

March 31, 2015

Coach Jerry taught me how to flip the correct way now I can't stop flipping . I'm really going to miss him . Your student Myah

February 14, 2015

Every once in a while, someone is a part of your life that makes a difference, Coach Jerry was that. Talking to him was like talking to the President, you listed intently, always wondering where he was going, and not sure if you got your point across because Jerry took you to where he wanted you to be. He was very diplomatic. I will always remember his smile, and the character he instilled in all children... Thank you!

Martinez Family, carson, ca

Jaydee Hilburn

February 13, 2015

Thank you Coach for sharing your time, love & concern. Thank u for giving my Jade confidence and fun! Thank u for all the staff! We will miss all of u. May God be your place of refuge!

Meghan & Rachel Campbell with Jerry

Debbie Campbell

February 13, 2015

We'll miss you Jerry!!

Debbie, Rachel & Meghan Campbell

February 13, 2015

We will miss you so much, Jerry! You taught my girls gymnastics for several years and it felt like the gym was our second home! You were always so happy to see us as we walked in the door for class. You would greet us with your huge smile and smiling, soulful eyes. My girls were 7 and 4 when you taught them gymnastics, and now they are 26 and 23. We talk about you all the time and reminisce about the good times, good friends, camaraderie and just plain old fun! Every time we make a visit to California we always had you on our agenda of people to visit. Thank you for those memories, Jerry. You will be forever in our hearts.

Elizabeth Windle

February 6, 2015

I'm so very sorry to hear about Coach Jerrys passing. He was such a kind and gentle man who was so very helpful and encouraging to all the young people he helped. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Rest in peace and God Bless him.

Lorena

February 4, 2015

i was so sad to hear that jerry died. i went to south bay gymnastics to see what it would be like doing gymnastics and i loved it. i miss going there to this day. however, im sorry to hear his passing. my prayers go out to everyone who knew him, friends and family. i miss you, thank you so much for the memories -Lorena (a former student at SBG)

Tiffany Warren

February 3, 2015

Jerry was an amazing man. I substitute coached for him and he was a good friend. He was like a dad to me and always called me "kid". I was happy to spend time with him after his surgery and to see that smile. My heart is breaking but I hold his kind heart with me. Love you Jerry! Coach Tiff

RC Crenshaw

February 2, 2015

My daughter Alyssa went there with Redondo Cheer. Jerry taught and helped her land her back hand spring. He was a wonderful, patient coach. Say hello to my father for me please. The future generations of gymnasts will miss out on a wonderful coach. May you rest in peace Jerry. God Bless you!

Alexa with her four legged sister, Perla...

Gregory Korzon

February 2, 2015

Coach Jerry was a wonderful human being. Our daughter, Alexa, fell in love with his place a year and half ago and she attended gymnastics there with great passion. She is only 9 years old. However, Coach Jerry motivated her to train and practice like a very serious and highly determined adult. May he rest in peace after a long and heroic struggle with the horrible disease and may his warmth and great spirit remain with us forever!

February 1, 2015

Jerry was a great human being with the right prorities. We'll miss him

Diane Paulsen

February 1, 2015

My son went there for karate and Jerry was a jewel. I'm so saddened by this. I loved you Jerry

Cheryl G

February 1, 2015

In our daughter's gymnastics career, she attended 3 different gyms and encountered many coaches and teaching styles. Coach Jerry was all about the holistic well-being of the children. He listened calmly to a child's or parent's concerns but in the end did what he felt was best for the child. It wasn't about just about pushing them to get the medal but about their health, safety, happiness and or course gaining the proper skills to advance. Our daughter has amazing memories of Coach Jerry and her friends at South Bay and the unity he created amongst them with sleepovers and team meetings and pep talks. God bless you, Jerry, and thank you.

Karen Doersam

January 31, 2015

I don't know anyone who didn't love Jerry who met him. His kind and genuine soul is rare. My family and I will remember Jerry with fondness. He was always so inviting and caring to anyone he came into contact with. His warm smile brings a smile to my face. We'll miss him and are honored to have known such a wonderful man. The Doersam Family

Dorothy Goodson

January 31, 2015

Jerry, you took both of my children under your wing and though my daughter was a handful and son is autistic, you made them both feel loved and helped them grow. You taught discipline to them both and everyone who stepped through the door. Your efforts with my children and our cheerleaders will always be remembered. May your beautiful soul rest in peace. We love you and miss you.

Geri Olivares

January 31, 2015

Coach Jerry you are and always will be an inspirational man, I only wish I could tell you how I feel about you face to face. You were the most patient and motivated person I've ever met. You knew me since I was 6 years old, I am now 22. You knew me when I would run around your gym instead of staying with the class and still had great patients and understanding. I will never forget your smile or your voice of encouragement.
Love Geri

blanca olivares

January 31, 2015

Thank you jerry we miss you so much. Rest in peace. We love you very much.

Les Heri

January 31, 2015

Coach Jerry, I will always remember the kindness, joy, hope and inspiration that IS you! The memories you created for all of us at South Bay Gymnastics will last forever as will the goals you helped us all achieve. Your resonant voice will be with me forever...save a spot for me up there, please! On behalf of Shoreiha Dojo, myself and all of my students....Coach Jerry, thank you for giving our little dojo a chance to grow, thrive and mature. Thank you for welcoming us in your heart and home...you have been a role model to thousands and I will miss your kind mentoring and your love of kids.
If your family needs anything, anything at all, I am but a phone call away. Coach Jerry, you are in our hearts, our prayers and memories...It is impossible for me not to feel that the world is somewhat diminished, without you in it! May God Bless your soul and keep you always near him...may you rest as peacefully as you lived held safely in our Heavenly Fathers hands.
your friend and brother,
Les Heri
Head Sensei
Shoreiha Dojo
Okinawa Gojuryu Research and Preservation Society

Les Heri

January 31, 2015

Coach Jerry, I will always remember the kindness, joy, hope, love and inspiration that IS you! The memories you created for all of us at South Bay Gymnastics will last forever as will the goals you helped us all achieve. Your resonant voice will be with me forever...save a spot for me up there, please! On behalf of Shoreiha Dojo, myself and all of my students....Coach Jerry, thank you for giving our little dojo a chance to grow, thrive and mature. Thank you for welcoming us in your heart and home...you have been a role model to thousands and I will miss your kind mentoring and your love of kids.
If your family needs anything, anything at all, I am but a phone call away. Coach Jerry, you are in our hearts, our prayers and memories...It is impossible for me not to feel that the world is somewhat diminished, without you in it! May God Bless your soul and keep you always near him...may you rest as peacefully as you lived, held safely in our Heavenly Fathers' hands.

your friend and brother,
Les Heri
Head Sensei
Shoreiha Dojo
Okinawa Gojuryu Research and Preservation Society

Helen and Michelle Loring

January 31, 2015

Forever in our hearts!! So grateful for his teachings!! May The Lord bless him and keep him and may the family rejoice in his memory! Blessings to the family! Thank you Jerry!!

Kari Richards

January 30, 2015

Jerry taught me for several years when I was younger. 10 years later I walked into the gym to take tumbling lessons and he remembered me! He took me over to the wall and showed me that my old team picture was still hanging there. He was such a sweet soul and will be missed.

Julie Alli

January 30, 2015

I miss you so much already my friend. Thank you for helping my Redondo Beach cheer girls. They came a long way and owe much of their success to you. I will always remember your patience, rhymes, kindness, and love for your work and the kids. My daughter went through a very long mental block with her tumbling. I will never forget that You never gave up on her and I'm so glad that you were here to share that moment with us when she finally overcame it. We have lost a wonderful man. I'm comforted knowing you are no longer in pain but I miss you so much my friend.

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