Jerry A. Orrison

Jerry Amzi Orrison, 86, was born on July 21, 1938 to Roy and Peg Orrison. He was a devoted husband to Pamela, loving father to Randal (Jodi), Kendal (Sajee) and KaiAnn Holt (Brian), proud grandfather to Randal II, Kedryn, Cordel, Jared and Lauryn, and new great grandfather to Oliver.
Following in his mother's footsteps, Jerry got his teaching degree from Illinois State University. Later, he earned an educational administration master's degree from Bradley University. Throughout his 34 years in the IVC school district, Jerry taught band, chorus and junior high social studies. He was a principal at North Elementary School, HS activities director and even summer maintenance. Former students describe him as being strict with high expectations but also encouraging and kind.
A tremendous musician, Jerry played alto clarinet with the Prairie Wind Ensemble for 32 years and sang bass with the Peoria Area Civic Chorale for 25 years. In his retirement, he played alto sax for the Peoria Area Senior Citizen band and sang in the Prospect Methodist church choir. He was a born performer and loved dramatically narrating concerts and singing solos. The bigger the audience, the better!
Jerry's hobbies included attending all his children's concerts, games and competitions. He was a life-long photographer who enjoyed developing B&W film and printing photos. As technology advanced, he moved to teaching senior citizens the ins and outs of digital photography. He was a voracious reader and frequent library patron. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers on tv. He also had a vast collection of big band, jazz and classical music cds.
Jerry's quiet strength and sarcastic sense of humor will be greatly missed. When asked, "How are you?" his standard answer was "mean, nasty, cruel and despicable. about normal." No one who knew him would agree. His advice to men for a great marriage was to master the phrase, "Yes, Dear." He demonstrated the wisdom of those words throughout a happy 64 year marriage to his college sweetheart. He is fondly remembered by his family for his well-timed, often under his breath, one-liners.
Jerry was the loving, dependable, unwavering foundation of his family. He touched countless lives with his kindness, knowledge and willingness to help. His legacy will live on.
Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11am at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe with visitation beginning at 10:30am. For those wishing to donate in his memory, Jerry suggested Prospect United Methodist Church in Dunlap.