Jerry D. Royce Jr.

1936 - 2024

Jerry D. Royce Jr.

March 31, 1936 - September 27, 2024

LAKE MILTON - Jerry D. Royce Jr., age 88 of Lake Milton, OH, passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at University Hospital Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, OH. He was born on March 31, 1936, in Decatur, IL, the son of the late Jerry Dale Royce Sr. and Dorothy Jane (Bandy) Royce. Jerry married the love of his life, Dorothy E. Crisup, on April 14, 1956, and they have enjoyed the past 68 years of wonderful marriage together. Jerry and Dorothy have lived in Lake Milton for the past two years, previously residing in Illiopolis, IL for 40 years; Zellwood, Fl, for 14 years; and St. Clairsville, OH, for 7 years. Jerry loved life and pursued every moment of it with passion and determination, both in his service to family, community, and God and in embracing the many outlets that gave him pleasure. He worked as a Printer in Springfield, IL, for 30 years, and then as a Manager for the DMV in Springfield, IL, for 10 years. He retired in 1997. Jerry was a volunteer fireman for 25 years; coached his kids' sports teams; served as a Eucharistic Minister for his church, hospital, and nursing homes for 20 years; and enjoyed years of participating in the church choir. Jerry loved fishing, hunting, target shooting, woodworking, golfing, reading, and skeet shooting. He sought to excel at anything he put his mind to. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and three grandchildren: Jason Meister, Michelle Payne, and Christian Osterman.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Dorothy E. Royce of Lake Milton; children: Penny (Eric) Osterman of Pickerington, OH, Janie (Lewie) Sill of Fayetteville, PA, Lori (Steven) Taninecz of Lake Milton, son, JD (Mary) Royce III of Mechanicsburg, IL, Jodi (Syd) Payne of Martinsburg, WV; sister, Marylaverne Bramel of Springfield, MO; brother, Cecil Royce of Albuquerque, NM; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.

Family and friends will be having a Mass to celebrate his life at Illiopolis Resurrection Catholic Parish Church held Friday, October 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM. He will then be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Illiopolis, IL.The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Illiopolis Resurrection Catholic Parish Church, 410 Anne Street P.O. Box 47, Illiopolis, IL 62539, or the Illiopolis Fire Protection District, 428 Mary Street, Illiopolis, IL 62539.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com