James “Jim” Gerdes Sr. (78) – fortified with the sacraments of the Holy Mother Church entered eternal life on November 3, 2024.
Born on June 5, 1946, to Victor & Helen Gerdes. He was married for 56 years to Virginia “Ree” (Dailey) Gerdes. He told everyone that she was the love of his life. He was the loving father of Laura (Ken) Shambro, Jim Jr. (Teresa) Gerdes, Tracy Spinaio, and Katie (Chris) Rogers. Loving grandfather of Alli (Vince)Coiro, Brian (Chrissy) Shambro, Maria (Mike) Graham; Libby, James III, and John Gerdes; Joey, Vincent, and Dominic Spinaio; Jack, Faith, and Grace Rogers. Loving great grandfather “G.G. Jim” to Louis, Ambrose, James, and baby Coiro; and Theodore Graham. Loving brother of Vickie (Bill) Kueny. Loving cousin to Mike (Debbie) Millaway and so many more. Loving uncle and friend to many. He was proceeded in death by this parents, Uncle Herman Dubbert, Aunt Dorothy Millaway, and many more aunts, uncles, cousins, and loved ones.
Jim was a proud graduate of Normandy High School, Southeast Missouri State, St. Louis University, and was an honorary alumnus of CBC High School. He was a dedicated educator at St. Mary’s High School, Normandy High School, and loved being the principal at CBC High School for over 20 years. He dedicated his life to educating young men in the Lasallian Tradition. One of his greatest honors was being inducted as an Affiliate of the Christian Brothers in 2022.
He was a devoted Catholic and a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for over 50 years. His faith guided him in his kindness and genuine care for others that was felt by many.
He was also a proud Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era and loved his country.
He was his children’s and grandchildren’s greatest cheerleader, and you would see him at every kid and grandkid event even if it had to be virtual. He was passionate about his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and all St. Louis Sports. No one could beat him at trivia especially if the topic was sports or history.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to CBC High School or the Christian Brothers of the Midwest in Jim’s memory.
Visitation on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 4pm to 8pm at Collier’s Funeral Home on Lindbergh Blvd. Mass of the Resurrection on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 2:30 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Maryland Heights. Committal on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at St. Philippine Cemetery.
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