Jerrold Walter LaForce III

The world became a little quieter and the culinary industry lost a bright star on November 24th, 2025, when Jerrold Walter LaForce III left us at age 42. Jerry's legend will live within many hearts that he touched during his full life of travels, at music festivals, behind the line with the work he loved so much, or on his bike somewhere Jerry zig-zagged the country starting from when he was a teenager, always searching for the next big adventure and meeting a patchwork of friends along the way. He collected an arsenal of skills and experiences but always remained true to himself. And to know him, is to love him.
Jerry taught us to always find the bright side, never leave out an adjective when telling a story, to love hard and work hard, that food is a love language, life is just better on a bike and to always take care of people. He leaves behind his mother, Terry Martin; stepfather, Richard Martin; dad, William Sears; sisters, Samie LaForce and Audra Sears; brother, Doug Sears; stepsister, Jackie Wilber; nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply; his beloved restaurant family and friends; and his loyal furry companion and love of his life, Lilly.
Donations may be made to Nourish KC's Culinary Workforce Development supported by the Jacques Pepin Foundation. https://www.theprospectkc.org/
In his honor, splurge for the good stuff and cook something for someone you love. Take a bike ride, notice the details, and remember that beauty is everywhere if you look for it.
"It's been an adventure. We took some casualties over the years. Things got broken. Things got lost. But I wouldn't have missed it for the world." – Anthony Bourdain
When you walk through a storm Hold your head up high And don't be afraid of the dark At the end of the storm Is a golden sky And the sweet silver song of a lark Walk on through the wind Walk on through the rain Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown Walk on, walk on With hope in your heart And you'll never walk alone You'll never walk alone To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerrold, please visit our floral store.