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Jerry Grissom Obituary
July 29, 1952 - April 17, 2014.
Jerry Grissom, artist and designer, passed away April 17, 2014 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX after a valiant fight with cancer.
He was born in Jackson, TN and is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Ryland Grissom, Sr. and Geraldine Haynes Grissom.
He is survived by his sisters, Gloria Jean Grissom and Susan Diane Grissom; and his brother, Kenneth Ryland Grissom II (Virginia). As well as, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Jerry studied Painting and Silversmithing at the Memphis Academy of Fine Arts and The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He earned a BFA in Environmental Design and Lighting from Parsons School of Design and New School University in 1979. He was awarded a summer internship to study lighting at the Metropolitan Museum's installation of the American Wing under LeMar Terry.
Jerry began his design career as a health facility planner for the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation. He designed the Aids Wing At Bellevue Hospital and he designed a Satellite Kitchen for the handicapped at Coler-Goldwater Hospital in Manhattan. After moving to San Francisco he continued practicing medical design and project management for architectural projects in the Northwest.
Jerry was a talented watercolor artist and photographer. He collected and painted images of his hometown, Jackson and many towns in West Tennessee. He would travel throughout New England and California in search of Mission and Shaker Architecture, Fall foliage and seaside images. He was an avid collector of folk and primitive art and crafts. He was as creative with food as he was with a brush.
Jerry never met a stranger and he will be missed by those whose lives he touched. He had a wonderful spirit and wit and enjoyed painting in his free time and had many art collectors over the years who cherish his artwork.
Memorials may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. There will be a Memorial service scheduled for summer in Jackson, TN.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Grissom
6 Entries
Alan Nyitray
July 24, 2014
Miss ya Jerry. I enjoyed our catty conversations. They made the hospital room disappear.
David E Johnson
June 8, 2014
Jerry was a friend of many years. Often staying with me in Memphis and I visiting him in New York and San Francisco. Was in Jackson for a class reunion this weekend and thought I have talked with Jerry since February will call him when I get back to Memphis. He was coming to my house for this past Christmas but had to cancel
when he got sicker...A truly talented friend who could make you laugh even when you were at your lowest...Will miss him.....
April 25, 2014
Jerry was my neighbor in Houston,Tx.,his humble spirit heart warming yet his love for art displayed such excitement as he shared his experiences with me, I miss his dearly,love Andrea Brooks
Bettye Raines Presley
April 20, 2014
Jerry was a cousin through our grandmothers, who were sisters. My grandmother was his Aunt Maye. What a talent he had! God bless. I am so sorry to read of his passing.
Mike Walker
April 20, 2014
Jerry and I boyhood neighbors on Peabody St. in East Jackson. I had not seen Jerry in 50 years and was in the process of trying to locate him when I read about his passing. By all indications, his life made this world a better place. Lots of great memories of Jerry.
Lynda Haynes Johnson
April 20, 2014
I am always sad when someone I love passes especially when it's family. I always enjoyed being in their family home during the holidays when everyone was home. There was always such joy & laughter. Always interesting conservation. All the Grissom kids had many great adventures in their lives & it was great fun to hear them share them with us. Jerry will be missed but we have his beautiful art that will forever be a reminder that he walked here. Grateful to have known him. I pray for the peace of God for the family as they grieve this great loss.
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