James Edward Jerger

DECATUR - James Edward Jerger passed away in the loving company of family members at Hope Hospice House in Ft. Myers, FL on June 17, 2004 at the age of 68 years. His was a life well lived, shared by Rita, his wife of 42 years, their 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and friends, more numerous than can be counted. He was a very patriotic American, a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, FL. Jim's family invites his friends and relatives to join them in a celebration of his life and the fond memories that Jim brought into our lives with a Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2004 in Holy Family Catholic Church. The visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday in the church, with a vigil prayer service at 4:15 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Gilead cemetery with a reception to follow at the Holy Family Parish Center. Moran & Goebel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. He was a passionate fan of the Indiana Hoosiers, St. Louis Cardinals and Rams, and an avid golfer and jogger. Jim was a dedicated member of Sertoma for more than 30 years. He was past president of South Side Country Club, Decatur Dental Society, and Sertoma. He was a member of the American Pediatric Dental Society, American Orthodontic Society, and numerous other state and national dental societies. His positive attitude in his fight against cancer and his constant sense of humor was amazing and uplifting to his family and friends. Jim was born in Washington IN on January 6, 1936 to Carl and Virginia (Rose) Jerger, and grew up in Evansville IN. He attended St. Edwards University in Texas, graduated from Indiana University Dental School, and completed his internship and residency at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. He was united in marriage to Rita Harder August 18, 1962, served 3 years in the U.S. Army, and was a Pediatric Dentist in Decatur for 38 years. He is survived by his wife, Rita, his daughter and her husband, Katrina and Ed Busse and their children Ariana and Keenan of Libertyville IL, his son Derek Jerger of Madiera Beach FL, his son and wife, Dr. Bret and Tracey Jerger and their children Cailin and Ashton of Decatur, his son Darin and children Macy and Jax of Newport Beach CA, his father, Carl Jerger, sisters Harriett Causey and Deb Schneider, all of Evansville IN. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia and his sister, Karen. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jim's name can be made to Teddy Bear Dental Fund which provides dental care to underprivileged children in Macon County (Macon County Health Department, c/o Michelle Hinkelman, 1221 E. Condit, Decatur, 62521), or Homeward Bound Pet Shelter (1720 Huston Dr., Decatur, 62526) or Webster Cantrell Hall (1942 E. Cantrell, Decatur, 62521). View the online obituary and send condolences at www.moranandgoebel.com. Obituary written by family members