John Warren "Jake" Erwin

John Warren “Jake” Erwin, 74, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Kiln, Mississippi.

Born on August 19, 1951, in his beloved Pass Christian, Jake was the son of Clifton and Margaret French Erwin. He was the mischievous and fun-loving brother to Patricia, Gaynel, Toby, and Jimmy, and grew up surrounded by family, laughter, and the Gulf Coast he loved so much.

Jake graduated from Pass Christian High School, where he was on the football team and was voted a Class Favorite. After high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Over the years, Jake worked in sales across the automotive and seafood industries, making lifelong friends along the way. For many years, he was the voice of the Pass Christian Pirates football team. Of all his accomplishments, he was especially proud of serving his hometown as Mayor of Pass Christian — a place that always held his heart.

Jake had a larger-than-life personality and never met a stranger. He loved swapping stories about growing up in Pass Christian, and he took great pride in having visited all 50 states. With his big, kind heart, Jake was always the first to lend a hand to anyone in need, never expecting anything in return. After returning to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in recent years, he enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making new ones in Pass Christian and at the Kiln VFW.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Margaret Erwin; his brothers, Toby and Jimmy Erwin; his sister, Patricia Terrell; and his favorite uncle, Bennie French.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Jacqueline Erwin Plaisance (Shane), Hannah Erwin Oliver (Charles), and John A. Erwin (Nancy); his five grandchildren, John Charles Erwin, Brantley Erwin, Ann Colleen Erwin, Grace Oliver, and Adam Oliver; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who loved him like family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Chapel of St. Paul on Scenic Drive in Pass Christian with visitation from 9:00-10:00. A private family burial will occur at the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his generous heart, his stories, and the joy he brought to those who knew him.

Fair winds and following seas, Jake. Your watch is complete.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is serving the family. Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories & photos at www.riemannfamily.com