James Jerdee Obituary

James Jerdee RACINE and MESA, ARIZ.- James Jerdee, 80, passed away on September 26, 2008 in Mesa, Aris.. James was born in Sturtevant on June 17, 1928, the son on Kai and Evelyn (nee: Sorensen) Andersen. He was united in marriage to Audrey Andersen. James was a graduate of Wm. Horlick High School, and proudly served in the United States Navy. James was a former member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church, the city of Racine 20-year club, and the Fourth Feast Committee. He served on the Racine Police Dept. for 30 years, retiring as Assistant Chief of Police. James was also a founding member of the Racine Traffic Investigation Unit. He found great enjoyment in fishing, golf, bowling, and always had a deep interest in planes and ships. James's family presented him for his birthday, the opportunity to co- pilot a World War II airplane. 'Truly a dream come true'. He enjoyed being a snowbird traveling between Mesa and Lyndon Station, also was able to travel to Hawaii, The Caribbean, Canada, and thru out the United States until poor health required him to make his permanent residence in Mesa. James is survived by his wife of 60 years, Audrey; and their three children, Kai (Debbie) Jerdee of Racine, Vaughn (Ralph) Running of Smithsville, Mo., and David Jerdee of Ariz.. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Angela (Eric) Heth, Cara Jerdee, Christopher Running, Craig, Destiny and Davis Jerdee. Four great great grandchildren, Cassandra Heth, Amaya, Nevaeh and Jesse Jerdee; and one sister in law, Mary (Rick) Green of Racine. James is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends in Racine, and especially his dear friends on 'B' Street at the Resort in Mesa. He was preceded in death by one son, James Jerdee Jr.; his parents, Kai and Evelyn Anderson, Kenneth Jerdee; and one sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Allen and Johanna Haigh. Memorial services remembering and honoring James life will be held at the Sturino Funeral Home on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Jeff Barrow of Holy Communion Lutheran Church officiating. There will be a memorial visitation from 3:00 p.m. until service time. STURINO FUNERAL HOME 3014 Northwestern Avenue 632-4479 www.sturinofuneralhome. com

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Published by Racine Journal Times on Oct. 12, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Jerdee

9 Entries

Tom Dixon

October 20, 2008

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you can take solace in that you spent many hours with him as he aged.

Sheila Molnar (Green)

October 19, 2008

Uncle Jim you were and still are this giant of a man who was always there for your family,you will be painfully missed by the family that loved you so much, untill we meet again all my love Sheila

Sharon Miller Calvert

October 16, 2008

Jim was a favorite classmate of my Dad's (Leo Hueffner) at Horlick High School from 1941 through graduation. My Dad was especially pleased when I was employed by the Racine PD in the Traffic Bureau for (then) Captain Jerdee. Using me as an amazed go-between how the old stories would fly!! I always admired how Jim could stay so calm in any given emergency situation with his quiet way. He was one of my favorite supervisors in my entire working career.

On behalf of my entire family, I offer my condolences for your loss.

Destiny Jerdee

October 15, 2008

There is this place in me where your fingerprints still rest. I can still hear your voice as it resounds in my head. It's the place where a part of you will forever be with me!! I miss you with all my heart! I love you Grandpa!!

Angela Heth

October 14, 2008

James Jerdee was not only my grandfather, he was my dear friend. A piece of my heart goes with him. I will always love and remember him.

Cara Jerdee

October 14, 2008

This was a man who was exceptional in all that he did. He was a great husband to his "queen" (my grandma), father to my dad and aunt and uncle, grandfather to myself and my cousins and a wonderful "great poppa" to my daughter and his other great grandchildren. We were all very lucky to have him be a part of lives. We will miss you grandpa.

Richard Klofanda

October 14, 2008

Jim was a great police officer and a out standing human being. I will always remember his kindness.

Sandy Seitz

October 12, 2008

I took dictation from Jim at the Racine Police Dept. when he was a Traffic Investigator from about 1958-1962. My memories of him during that time are that he was a very conscientious policeman. I just hate to read about my old friends dying off, but it sounds like Jim had a wonderful life and left a lot of sorrowful family. Please accept my condolences.

William Krenzke

October 12, 2008

Audrey, Jim was one of a kind who befriended everybody. He will be missed by all that he touched.

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