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Jim Gerard Obituary
James (Jim) Gerard, age 93, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 1, 2020, at Marquette Manor in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, TV personality, devout Roman Catholic, and weekend golfer. He was preceded in death by his sisters Margaret Finn and Mary Anderson, and his beloved wife Nancy Gerard. Jim graduated from Newton Falls High School where he excelled in drama, music, school government, and the Prince of Peace speech contest. Following service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he attended Kent State University where he met Nancy, the love of his life, and earned a B.A. in Broadcasting and Theatre. Married in 1955, Jim and Nancy welcomed four children and celebrated over 50 happy years together.
During the early days of TV, Jim set his sights on being a TV broadcaster and the opportunities for a hard working, handsome, young man came. Jim started his career working in local radio stations until he landed a job at WLWD TV in Dayton, Ohio where he worked as a weatherman, hosted a live dance show Teen Time, announced sports and auto racing, and hosted a live late night in-studio wrestling show. At KDKA TV in Pittsburgh, Jim was a staff studio announcer in addition to hosting late night weather and afternoon movie shows. In Cleveland Ohio, Jim worked at KYW. In 1962 Jim joined Time Life's Radio and Television station, WFBM (Woof Boom), and the Gerard family made Indianapolis their permanent home.
Jim quickly became known for his interviews that comprised Sounds of the City, his man-on-the-street-vignettes of people and events from all over the growing city of Indianapolis. It aired on WFBM Radio while he co-hosted an afternoon movie show with actress Frances Farmer on WFBM TV. His warm interviewing style led to Jim hosting a daily, live talk show, The Jim Gerard Show, with a studio audience and an 8-piece band led by George Nicoloff. In 1976, Jim was hired by the Hook Drug Company to appear exclusively in their TV and radio commercials. Within a few months, The Jim Gerard Show was back in production on WTTV-Channel 4 sponsored by Hook's Drugs from 1976-1987. At the time, it was the longest running television show in Indiana.
Jim had a talent for putting guests at ease and interviewing a wide range of people from high school marching bands contest winners to visiting dignitaries, including former Vice President Hubert H. Humphry, Bob Hope, Ringo Star, Pearl Bailey, Eva Gabor, Ben Vereen, Betty White, John Raitt, Liberace, Rita Moreno and the Amazing Kreskin. He served as the Master of Ceremonies for fundraising events for Indy organizations of every size including the live broadcast of the opening gala of Clowes Hall, the Channel 20 Auction, and countless other community orgs. In 1992, Jim Gerard was inducted into the Indiana State Broadcaster Hall Of Fame.
He and his family lived in the Butler Tarkington neighborhood and attended St. Thomas Aquinas. Jim is survived by his by his children: Jim Gerard Jr. (Monte), Catherine Hammons (John), Lisa Gerard, and Susan Gerard (Nishant Rao), grandchildren: Violet Salas, Emily Salas, Clara Gerard , Parker Gerard and Carter Gerard; and great grand child Addison Harkleroad.
Due to the current gathering restrictions related to COVID-19, a celebration of Jim's life will be held on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Indianapolis in memory of Jim.
http://www.svdpindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SVdP_Indpls_DonationGiftForm_021919.pdf
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Gerard
Maryll Jones
January 3, 2024
I was very young, around five years old, living on Graceland Ave when I met Susie and Lisa and eventually their mother and father. The memories are mostly faded but I know they were fond ones. Tracy and I would walk down the street to try to play with them both. I remember the curly hair Susie had then. Anyway, sorry to hear of Jim´s passing.
Johnna M Magers
April 26, 2023
I had found memories of Jim at the Italian Village with my grandpa, Jim always had hugs for me whenever he was there which was often.
John B McGinnis
July 2, 2020
I worked with Jim at CH6. We did a film show called Say What You Think . He was excellent and worked to record Downtown Indy people giving their thoughts to the TV audience . Jim was a very sincere person and that showed in his work. I liked Jim and offer my sympathy to his survivors. He certainly left a fine impression in central Indiana.
Corinne Goforth
May 9, 2020
In 1967 or 1968, my high school speech teacher, Mrs Belcher thought it would be great for our class to see the behind the scenes operations at a live tv show. The Jim Gerard show was selected as our excursion. At that time, Lawrence Central High School was a very strict, conservative school. Girls could not wear jeans, slacks, or shorts. Skirts or dresses needed to be just past our knees,etc. Boys had strict dress codes too. No one knew who would be the entertainment that afternoon on Jims show. Imagine my surprise when I heard it was Little Richard! Being a middle child who heard rock and roll nonstop from my teenage siblings, I knew who he was. Little Richard at the time had slipped in popularity so Im not sure my classmates knew who he was. He sat down at his piano and belted out, Good Golly Miss Molly and other classic songs of his. I think everyone was a bit shocked at his heavy makeup and flamboyant clothing, but his outstanding performance was a real treat! Though my teacher and Jim were in shock, it was one of my favorite moments in my life! Being live tv, one never knew what would happen during the show! It was great!
Kevin ODonnell
May 9, 2020
Truly a legend and a hell of an Individual. I am sure my dad saved him a seat at the table and a spot in his foursome. It was a privilege to have met and known Jim Gerard. The ODonnell Family
Edward C. Ross
May 9, 2020
To Lisa and Susan,
My sincere condolences on your father's passing. I remember him quite well.
He really was a great guy. I will always remember the good times we, the
St. Thomas kids, had at the Gerard home.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Best wishes always,
Edward C. Ross
Ginny Rabbitt-Jenkins
May 6, 2020
Lisa, Suzie, Cathy and family, This message is sent with deepest sympathy and understanding to give you courage in your hour of sorrow, May the sympathy of other be a comfort in some way and your faith in God sustain you in the loss you bear today. Your father was one of a kind. He will be missed by all. God bless.
Donna
May 6, 2020
I worked with Jim when he was at the corporate offices of Hook Drugs, Inc. in the public relations area. Jim was always a delightful gentleman that always spoke kindly of everyone. Very nice encounter with someone that I knew was television originally. I know his family will accept my condolences. My name at the time at Hook's was Donna Hicks.
Maree Macpherson
May 6, 2020
So many years ago, but I remember Jim as a gentleman, who was willing to be helpful and give sage advice to a young single mother getting started in the work field once again, and through the years always kind. May he Rest In Peace.
Shellie Smith
May 5, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. My mom was a friend and was on his show often. Later I worked with Jim Jr. at Van Ausdall and told him stories about how my brother and I would go to be part of the audience many time. I pray for comfort, grace and mercy.
Bonnie Odle
May 5, 2020
I was his barber for quite some time a few years ago. He was so kind sweet and funny. He was one of my favorites. To his family, I'm so sorry for your loss. ❤
Bonnie Hinkle
May 4, 2020
Jim Gerard helped jump-start a singing career for my sister and me as The Mack Sisters in Indianapolis in the early 1970s. We will always be grateful for his generosity and friendship! He was truly a legend!
Toni
May 4, 2020
So sorry for your loss he was such a kind & caring person. I have so many memories of his golf outings with my dad & Thursday gin rummy nights. Im happy that he will finally be at peace with Nancy.
Toni
May 4, 2020
Great memories of Jim. He was such a kind and caring man. Sorry for your loss. Happy that he is at peace & with Nancy again
Cheryl
May 4, 2020
I remember watching the Jim Gerrard show as a child up until it went off of the air .
Rod Ross
May 4, 2020
Suzie, I met Jim in 1995 at the CVS in Broad Ripple. He was kind and gracious. I told him that mom and I enjoyed his TV show, and he said that he was glad I remembered. I visited him at Marquette years later. My condolences to to and you family .
Roxanne Turner
May 4, 2020
Such a sweet man! I watched him growing up and then later appeared as one of his guests on his show. In the late '80s, I hired him to be a part time spokesperson along with Carolyn Churchman in Ads and on radio for a retirement community. He was a class act and feel fortunate that our paths crossed.
Asher Smash
May 4, 2020
I used to love Jim Gerard. He helped me with providing much insight into that era's broadcast media game. Jim was a good fella. RIP JG.
Jeff Miller
May 4, 2020
Jim was a part of my childhood memories and few recollections of 1960-70s media culture are without him in some way.
Ken Speck
May 4, 2020
I knew him when we worked in Cleveland, a true pro. He always played in my golf tournament in Indy and gave of himself freely.He and I both made the Hall of Fame. Godspeed Jim.
Carol family
May 4, 2020
Sending much love and prayers to Uncle Jims entire family. He was one of the people who left footprints on your heart. So many happy memories especially on vacations in Michigan. Please know we love you all and share your loss.
Joe Fitzgerald
May 4, 2020
Lisa, we were so sorry to learn of your father's death. He was a wonderful person. Hugs.
Sr. Niemer
May 4, 2020
My sympathy to your family, particularly Cathy, my former student. I remember well when the Belles of St. Mary's were on his television show and how gracious he was.
Tom Stader
May 4, 2020
A man who was very well known and liked and when you talked to him, he made you feel totally accepted and comfortable. I taught his son Jim Jr. and always enjoyed talking to him at parent conferences.
Clifford Vogelsang
May 4, 2020
May he have peaceful rest and eternal memory.
KP Singh
May 4, 2020
Jim exuded the joy and excitement of a long lost friend each time our paths crossed. Jim exemplified kindness, a genuine warmth and friendship towards everyone and his love for our City, new ideas, people, and humanity. He was ahead of his time. I always thought Jim in his own way was a part of the renaissance that changed our City for the better. Jim was admired and loved by so many and he would be greatly missed. May his spirit Rest in Peace with the Lord among the stars. ~ Respectfully, KP Singh - Indianapolis, Indiana USA - May 4, 2020.
Johnna
May 4, 2020
I have the fondest memories of Jim with my grandpa at the Itialian Village. Im so sorry for your loss he will be missed!
Kenny York
May 4, 2020
I worked with Jim back in the mid 60's at WFBM Channel 6 when I got home from service. my first real job, my desk was between Jims and Tom Carnegie. I was a film editor for commercial breaks in their TV shows. Along with Francis Farmer and Bernie Herman. My office desk was between Tom and Jims..they both had me in stitches most of the time.....My love for messing with cars took me in a different direction...but so many laughs when i worked with that crew. Times ill never forget..May they all RIP..with a smile
Linda Warren
May 4, 2020
My heartfelt thanks goes out to his family for sharing Jim with us all of those years. His broadcasts covered a large swath of my life and I will remember him fondly.
Linda Warren
May 4, 2020
My heart goes out to all of Jim's family. His broadcasts covered a large swath of my life and I remember him fondly.
Brenda (Marquette)
May 4, 2020
Great guy ..Will be missed.
Carla Wise
May 3, 2020
I was a friend of his daughter Lisa, we worked together in Glendale mall (a very long time ago 81ish). I remember going to her house (Jims house) and feeling so intimidated because of who he was and how big and beautiful their home was.....Jim and the family could not have been nicer. Very loving and sweet family. Thinking of you all now and wishing for you loving memories!!!
Helen Griggs
May 3, 2020
My sincere condolences to Jims family. I have very fond memories of the very nice man who was married to my half sister, Nancy. My strongest memory of Jim is when he taught me and my sister a new dance, The Stroll when we were kids. We thought he was very cool!
Charles Hodge
May 3, 2020
He shared so many great stories about live television, the transition to video recording, the workings of television stations in the B&W era, his remote productions in place like Florida. Thank you, Jim.
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