Jerold Lee Cody

Jerold (Jerry) Lee Cody, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Portland, MI, on January 13, 2026. He was born on July 12, 1943, son of Edward "Ted" and Ursal (Wilcox) Cody.
A graduate of Grand Ledge High School class of 1961, Jerry was remembered for his tenacity on the wrestling mat, a passion that taught him the values of discipline and sportsmanship. These early experiences shaped a man who would approach life's challenges with grace and determination.
After high school, Jerry continued to serve his community and country by enlisting in the Michigan Army National Guard, where he exemplified leadership and commitment by serving as a helicopter mechanic and crew chief for 25 years.
Always a bit of an entrepreneur, Jerry co-founded and co-owned Grand Ledge Foreign Car Service to meet the demand for service and repair of a new influx of imported cars and trucks in the 1970's.
Jerry ultimately retired from a fulfilling career at A.I.S., where he continued his dedication to mechanics in working on heavy construction equipment. He had a real connection with ownership and his colleagues at A.I.S. and maintained those relationships for many years following his retirement.
Away from work, Jerry was an avid motorcycle rider, bowler, euchre player and also enjoyed collecting antique tractors.
Jerry's life was filled with the love of his family. He is survived by his son, Joel (Kristine) Cody, daughter, Jennifer (Earl) Whitney, his grandchildren, Blake (Amy) Cody, Lauren (Jack) Lienhart, Brett Cody, Brady Cody, Levi O'Connor, Evan Whitney, his two great grandchildren Lilly Nuemann, Aliyah O'Connor, his two sisters Marian Hershelman, Lorrene Cody, sister-in-law, Betty Cody, and his loving dogs Eli and Peyton.
While Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Edward "Ted" and Ursal (Wilcox) Cody, his wife Sherrill McConnell-Cody, his son, Sean Cody, his brothers, Jim Cody, Larry Cody, Joe Cody, his brothers-in-law, Jim Garner, Charles Hershelman, his sister-in-law Sonnie Cody and his partner Sharon Matthews, his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.
There will be a visitation held at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge on Friday January 23rd, 2026, at 12:00pm with a service to follow at 1:00pm. Contributions can be made in loving memory of Jerry to the American Cancer Society or McLaren Hospice. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com
To watch the tribute video please follow the link below.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/7X48G3LWS6S85F89