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BORN
1943
DIED
2007
Jerry Light Obituary
Jerry Light, an original member of the 1960's Motown group, The Valadiers, died July 24 at his St. Augustine home after an extended illness.
He was 64.
Auditioned by Smokey Robinson and signed by Barry Gordy in 1961, Light and the doo-wop quartet, Motown's first white singing group, toured with acts including Diana Ross and the Supremes and The Temptations.
The Valadiers scored a single Billboard Top 100 hit with the 1962 song, "Greetings, this is Uncle Sam," which featured future Motown legend Marvin Gaye on drums. They also cut five other records for the Gordy, Miracle and Tamala labels.
After his singing career, Light owned and operated a precious metals refining business for more than 30 years.
Born in Detroit, Mich., he moved to St. Augustine in 1992. He formerly owned a hot sauce shop, "Some Like it Hotter," on Treasury Street and was a familiar face downtown, walking St. George Street wearing T-shirts bearing his likeness and visiting friends until a few months before his death.
Light is survived by his wife, Wendy, St. Augustine; daughter, Dawn Light, West Bloomfield, Mich.; son and daughter-in-law, Allan and Denise Light, West Bloomfield, Mich.; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Lana Light, Winter Springs; daughter, Lillian Wingate, Meigs, Ga. and four grandchildren, Rachel, Sarah, Jordan and Hannah Light, also of West Bloomfield.
He leaves a sister and brother-in-law, Natalie and Ted Glatter, Sunrise; sister-in-law, Ethel Light, also of Michigan; five step-daughters, Misty Anderson, Pixie Farrow, Carey Scholl, Tracey LeSage and Lisa Klemanski; seven step-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Light is also survived by lifelong friends and fellow Valadiers, Art Glasser, Stuart Avig, Gary Frenkel, Andy Alonzo and Marty Coleman as well as his business partner and friend Armando Fundora.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rachel and Elias and brother, Louie.
Private services will be held in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and a public memorial is planned in West Bloomfield. Flowers are gratefully declined, but those wishing to pay tribute may send donations to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4114 Sunbeam Road, Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL, 32257.
Craig Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Light
Sponsored by Wendy Light.
Lillian Wingate
July 24, 2025
Today was 18 years since your passing, and the first time without Wendy. But I am overjoyed that you are now both together again and I know you are dancing the days away! I love and miss you both so much.
-Your Daughter, Lillian
Lillian Wingate
June 15, 2025
Father's day is always bittersweet, but this year especially so. You've been gone for nearly 18 years now, half my life. And now Wendy is also gone. I last spoke to her on mother's day. Our love for you and each other never faded. I promise to carry on your memories and share the love you both shared for everyone! Although it's bittersweet that you are both gone now, I know you are finally reunited and dancing together. I love you both so much and always will.
Love your daughter
Izzy McElroy
May 22, 2025
Jerry, I said farewell to Wendy 2 days ago and spent the last two nights dreaming of you two together. I hope you found one another and can laugh together again.
No matter the distance between us over the years I will always cherish our summers together.
To the Moon, Alice.
Wendy
March 6, 2025
March 6, 2025
Our 32nd Wedding Anniversary
Jerry comes to me in unexpected ways, but he always comes. And when he does, I just look up and say to myself , " I know that was you". I still have to stop when I see or hear something he would have liked and think , " you should still be here"
because he just hated to miss anything. With Jerry, there was always something to discover. In a world where I have always been happiest with the moon and stars, Jerry taught me to also love the light.
Wendy
March 6, 2024
Thirty-one years together....seventeen years apart.
Wendy
March 5, 2024
I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with Jerry and then I realized that he spent the rest of his life with me. I am fortunate because I know he loved me until the day he left and I will carry him in my heart until the day we are together again.
Wendy Light
March 6, 2023
"I thought of you today but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake from which I´ll never part.
God has you in His arms,I have you in my heart. "
March 6, 2023
Wendy in St. Augustine
Lisa Klemanski
July 24, 2022
Missing you Dad. You lit up a room and made everything better. Still hearing you say, what can I do for you sweetheart? Thank you for your humor and your kindness that beamed from your soul. Loving you always and forever.
Lisa Klemanski Kushner
March 9, 2022
Happy Birthday to the man that was my dad of choice. You are in my heart doo wooping forever. My love goes out to Wendy and Family. I love you, always and forever.
Wendy Light
March 6, 2022
What a challenging year this has been - not only for the world but for our family , friends and for me, personally. Some things never change though. Those things are and will be eternal . Like love - like our love. Happy 29th.
Wendy Light
March 6, 2021
Oh my love, the world has changed so much this past year. Although we still have all the complexities of life; joy and sorrow, birth and death, laughter and tears ,everything is viewed from a different perspective. I do miss you and love you always and forever.
Lillian Wingate
July 24, 2020
It's hard to believe that it has been 13 years since you left this world. But of course you could never leave our hearts. We will always love and miss you, and keep your memory alive. Through us you will never be forgotten!
March 9, 2020
Happy Birthday Papa. I hope you know how much I love and miss you. This past year you have been especially in my heart. You have been a part of every event in my life this past year. And you will always will.
March 9, 2020
Happy Birthday Papa. I hope you know how much I love and miss you. This past year you have been especially in my heart. You have been a part of every event in my life this past year, and that will never change. I love you.
Wendy Light
March 6, 2020
Always my forever...
Wendy Light
March 6, 2019
Our 26th Anniversary is today.
Love by the numbers:
312 - The number of months since we were married
4380 - The number of days since he has been gone
76 - How old Jerry would have been on March 9th
0 - The number of days I haven't loved and missed Jerry
Wendy Light
July 24, 2018
Oh, my love - eleven years is such a long time.
I love you dad!!
Lisa Jo Klemanski-Kushner
April 10, 2018
My dad will forever live in my heart....I love and thank everyone who was touched by the man whom was larger than life and bigger than anything I ever knew. I will forever be grateful to the father who wound up choosing me and I him for so many years. I was ever so blessed to have known him and I still appreciate him and his wife Wendy everyday. I miss you Jerry "Dad" not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I know you are with me, your light will shine forever. This is it "doo wop." Many blessings, LK
Wendy Light
March 6, 2018
Today would have been our silver wedding anniversary and I still laugh and cry, celebrate and grieve. "Once grief enters someone's soul it is there forever. It has a different feeling than sadness or fear, although both are present in grief. When it is fresh, it screams. It's raw and impossible to contain. But after a while it disappears from the surface, sinking deep like a river that runs through you. It becomes part of you, always present but quiet, like the low notes in a song."
Wendy Light
March 6, 2017
Twenty-four years have passed since that evening in St. Augustine. Although I only visit this site once a year, Jerry is with me always. He is never far from my thoughts - when I am cooking something he enjoyed, listening to a great acapella group, watching a rainstorm, walking through the mall, and most especially falling asleep knowing I will see him in my dreams. Always and forever.
Lillian Wingate
March 9, 2016
You should be celebrating your birthday today and doing all the things you loved to do! Since that cannot be, I will do my best to celebrate your memory as if you were still here. Sometimes I wish I had known you better though. There are so many questions I still had for you, some questions I'd not even thought to ask yet. I never once doubted your love for me and I loved you more than I knew possible. I am grateful to have so many fond memories of you. I wish I was able to give you one more hug and wish you a happy birthday. You will be in my thoughts all day, along with all the wonderful memories we had together. I love you Papa.
Your JP
Dawn Light
March 8, 2016
Tomorrow is my dad's Birthday. Almost nine years since I have seen him and I have learned so much. Learned so much about people. I am grateful for the nights he visits me in my dreams. I couldn't possibly miss anyone more! I'm so thankful for the 35 years I had with him. For that I am a very lucky girl!! Nobody will ever compare. Best dad ever!! Happy Birthday, Daddy!! Forever loving you with my whole heart! XOXO
Wendy Light The Woodlands
March 6, 2016
Today would have been our 23rd anniversary and Jerry has been gone for almost nine of those years. Nevertheless, we had fourteen wonderful years together and certainly packed a lot of love and happiness into those years. Travel for business as well as pleasure, holidays ( his, hers and ours), time spent with children, grandchildren, family and dear friends. Holding hands crossing countless streets. I still unconsciously reach for his hand and although I know it isn't really there I still feel him close by and am comforted after all.
Dawn Light
March 8, 2015
Thinking of my Dad always!! Missing him so much!!! Tomorrow is his Birthday and I would do anything to hug him!!! Not a day goes by I don't wish he was here!!! I have learned so much but most of all I know there is no one in this world like my Daddy!!!! Happy Birthday to the greatest man I have ever known!! Muah XOXO
Wendy Light
March 6, 2015
Today would have been our anniversary. In my heart we will always belong to each other.
Wendy Light
March 6, 2014
Over the course of our life together I had to share Jerry with many others who loved and were loved by him - family, friends,customers - even our dogs. I like to think that I was okay with that and I hope that I was because he was unselfish in sharing me with my family and friends and yes, our dogs too. It happens that way when two people with grown-up children and young grandchildren fall into friendship and love and marriage. Holidays, birthdays and vacations become shared celebrations and that is mostly a pretty good thing.
However, there is one special day that was and is exclusively ours - one that belongs just to us - one that we selfishly didn't have to share with anyone but each other. Every couple has one - perhaps it was the day they met or the day they came to realize that they were in love - maybe it was just the day they first held hands while crossing the street. We had those days too but our very, very extraordinary day was the day we were married - March 6, 1993. A day when promises kept were made - a day just like today.
Lillian Wingate
July 24, 2013
Six years, and you're still on my mind everyday. I miss you so much. There are so many feelings that words cannot express. Your smiles and laughter make me remember the good times. Thinking of you always brings back good memories and stories. I love you Papa.
Dawn Light
March 28, 2013
I miss my day's advice, his opinions, his voice, his big heart, the way he made me feel protected and loved...
Dawn Light
March 10, 2013
For my daddy's 70th birthday I cooked dinner with all of my heart. I wasn't old enough to cook when he was here but I know he would have been proud. Every single day I miss him more than I could ever miss anyone. I remember celebrating his 60th birthday on the Disney cruise. I wish he was here! XOXO
Wendy Light
March 9, 2013
"There's this place in me where your fingerprints still rest, your kisses still linger, and your whispers softly echo. It's the place where a part of you will forever be a part of me."
- Gretchen Kemp
Today would have been Jerry's 70th birthday.....
March 6, 2013
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Lao Tzu
Today would have been our twentieth anniversary.....
Wendy Light, The Woodlands, Texas
Dawn Light
October 6, 2012
My Daddy, no one will ever out shine him. Forever special, forever the best man ever!! Not one day ever goes by without thinking of my daddy.. I couldn't possibly miss anyone more!
August 25, 2012
Still think of you often, my old friend.
Someday we will meet again. You always put a smile on everyone's face, who knew you. RIP Jerry. Gary Frenkel
Wendy Light
July 25, 2012
Five years.....it just does not seem possible that it has been so long since I lost my best friend and yet he is still with me as if it was only yesterday.
Lillian Wingate
July 24, 2012
It's been 5 years today, since I lost my father. I miss him so much and wish I had known him better. I'm thankful for the time that I was able to share with him and will never forget what a wonderful father he was. I love you Papa.
"Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death." -Unknown
Wendy Light
March 9, 2012
Jerry would have been 69 today. He has left so many smiles for those of us who loved him best and for those of us who still do.
March 6, 2012
March 6, 2012
Wendy Light
March 6, 2012
“The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand: the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.” -George Eliot
We were married 19 years ago today - and still counting....
Wendy Light
December 31, 2011
The holidays seem to serve as markers - where we are today and where we might be in the future - but mostly of where we have been. I think of Jerry every day but certain memories are especially precious. Since Jerry has been gone, New Year's Eve always leaves me longing for my very best friend.
Wendy Light
July 24, 2011
How can four years go by so quickly and yet pass so slowly? I have to smile and even laugh when I relive some of our wonderful memories but I still miss waking up without Jerry beside me.
Steve Linerode
March 12, 2011
Not a day goes by that I hear a funny story or I do a gold buy that I think of you Buddy I know your with us all everyday .
Wendy Ligh
March 9, 2011
Jerry would have been 68 today. I really do miss celebrating his birthday with him.
Wendy Light
March 6, 2011
Henry van Dyke once wrote:
"Time is too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love,
Time is eternity."
We were married 18 years ago today and yes, time is eternity.
Wendy Light
July 24, 2010
Three years ago today Jerry passed away from all of us who loved and were loved by him.Although I can no longer hold his hand, his love is forever.
Wendy Light
March 6, 2010
We were married 17 years ago today. In our wedding video Jerry promised to be the very best husband. He kept that promise - and more.
Wendy Light
December 31, 2009
Ten years ago tonight Jerry and I welcomed the new century together. There were only six and a half more years left to us. I love every minute I spent with Jerry and my only regret is that there were not more.How many people can say that? I am so lucky to have shared my life with him even if it was for so brief a time. I miss him more than I can say.
Wendy Light
March 6, 2009
Sixteen years ago today –in this very place, on this very day and at this exact hour – Jerry and I were married. It was a magical wedding – surrounded by our family and friends –most of whom were meeting each other for the first time. There was delicious food from Cafe Aviles that Jerry had personally chosen, tiny candles set in the middle of flowers floating in the pool and a chocolate raspberry wedding cake with bouquets of fresh flowers spilling down the tiers. Someone said that it was the best party they had ever attended. When I look at the video of that night I have to agree. When it was over everyone still wanted the party to go on so most of the guests moved to a nearby night spot down the road. The funny thing was that they all left the bride and groom at home. I remember that we looked at each other and started laughing. Not only had they left us but they had also left us in charge of several sleeping grandchildren. It just took one call before everyone came roaring back up the driveway and we were free to leave on our honeymoon. On that night we said vows to each other that we kept until death did indeed part us. I only wish it had been longer but I am so grateful that it happened at all.
Wendy Light
July 24, 2008
One year ago today Jerry slipped away from my touch but he will always be in my heart. Someone once said that "to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die". That is surely true.
March 6, 2008
We were married fifteen years ago today. How lucky I am to have had Jerry in my life. Wendy Light
Wendy Light
December 31, 2007
It is so hard to believe that we will not be together this year but you are always with me. Good night, my love. Wendy
Mehaffey's Jewelry
December 18, 2007
On Behalf of Mehaffey's Jewelry we send our deepest sympathy to the the Light family for the lose of their member plus a great friend of ours who always brought cheer to our store.
Arthur Kirsh
October 6, 2007
Wendy:
I never had the oportunity to meet Jerry in person, but spoke with him on occasion by telephone. I knew of his sense of humor, his love of Motown and of his kindness he had shown to a mutual friend. I wish I had known him better.
Art Kirsh, Southfield, Michigan
TONY MARRONE
October 5, 2007
JERRY WAS A GUY WHO WAS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A MAN. HE BROUGHT CHEER TO THE TABLE EVERYTIME HE CAME AROUND. THIS WORLD WOULD BE A BRIGHTER PLACE IF WE HAD MORE LIKE JERRY. HE LOVED HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND LET YOU KNOW IT. 20 YEARS MY SENIOR BUT HIS WORDS OF WISDOM I WILL TAKE WITH ME. THANKS JERRY ,REST IN PEACE.
Charlene Epstein
August 24, 2007
I guess GOD needed another angel. Jerry will be missed by many people that had a chance to know him. He was a nice, funny and very kind brother-in-law.
Wendy, My deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family.
Al Angilello
August 21, 2007
Jerry, Thank you for all the memories. We will miss you. From Al and staff of The Gold Exchange of Jacksonville.
Lisa Glatter
August 15, 2007
It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing – when I think of you I smile. And words cannot express how much your love, thoughtfulness, kindness and support over the years have meant to me, Steven and most importantly, Amanda. Amanda never did get to meet you, but she grew up knowing that she had an Uncle Jerry and Aunt Wendy who cared. For that I am forever grateful. Thank you again.
Damion Waters
August 8, 2007
Jerry,
I am very thankful I got to be in your life. You were one of a kind my friend. I love the way you tell stories and make people laugh. Thanks for always encouraging me to be a musician, and making sure to keep things "light". I was never in danger of losing my sense of humor around you. You taught me and everyone else who knew you a valuable lesson about the importance of laughter and high spririts. Your glass was ALWAYS half full. I think most of all, I appriciated your personal history and depth of character. Volumes upon volumes could be written (comedy of course) about your life, and your sense of self. I can see it now, Motown standing in my shadow, the Jerry Light story. What more can I say, thank you Jerry, for all the good times and life lessons.
Thom Lamb
August 2, 2007
Jerry was one of the good guys! He always made you feel good. He was so down to Earth & fun to be around. I'll miss you, my friend.
Gene Smith
August 1, 2007
I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry when I was 14 years old. He was the very first person in the jewelry industry that I personally dealt with. We had a wonderful twenty- five year working relationship.I will never forget the smiles,sauces,stories,and everything in between. He was a very professional businessman with a personal touch that was top notch.
Travis Anderson
August 1, 2007
Jerry was a wise philosopher, and he used to say "When tomorrow comes, you're only left with one thing, either a good memory or a bad memory." Jerry collected more good memories along his journey than anyone I've known, and he had the ability to entertain people with his stories for hours at a time; making people laugh and feel good about themselves. He left me with nothing but good memories, and I still laugh every time I catch myself saying "I just want to be a customer."
Carey Scholl
July 29, 2007
I will always remember Jerry as a man of smiles and laughter. He brought much joy to the world, and much happiness to my family. He was dearly loved; and he will be sorely missed.
Gary light
July 29, 2007
Uncle Jerry will be greatly missed.He taught me alot about sales and life.He gave to me when I was in need and he was so much fun too.He cared about family and friends and other people.My Uncle Jerry will always have special place in my heart.
Jenny Rumph
July 29, 2007
Jerry,
I will miss your funny jokes and
singing to your dogs.You were a
wonderful singer and an even
better customer to work for.
Iwill miss you alot. Have lots of
fun where you are now, you deserve
it.
Diana Sandy
July 29, 2007
Jerry crossed my path while receiving treatments at Dr. Warmuth's office. He was so upbeat and full of life. He brought humor and a bit of nostalgia to the long hours of chemo. I'm sorry he is gone, but know his memory will live on in the hearts of his wife and family and all of the people he met along the way. He brought smiles to many during his short time on this earth. He is with God now, bringing smiles to all of Heaven.
Arthur Glasser
July 29, 2007
Dear Jerry, Thank you for being such an honorable and true friend. You were always there for me. I will remember the compassion and the love you spread everywhere you have gone. I will remember the courage of your spirit and aid you have given to others. You will always be my brother and forever a Valadier. Love, Arthur
Susan
July 28, 2007
Jerry,
You are soaring with the Angels.You and Louie are are together now. Michael, Brandon,Dylan and I will miss you terribly. Your smile and laughter will stay in our hearts forever. You have left a permanent mark in our souls.. You were taken away from us, way too soon....I am sure that Motown, Gypsy and Chotski will miss singing with you...a sight I will always remember....
Only You.............
All our love...
Michael, Susan, Brandon & Dylan Light
Dana Brooks
July 28, 2007
GERRY will always be remembered for his humor. The times I met with him always seemed cut short. He would be on his way but you wished he had stayed to talk and laugh. I regret I did not know him better.
Wendy Light
July 28, 2007
As Jerry's wife, I want to thank you for visiting his guest book. In addition to being my husband, he was also my best friend and I don't have words to describe how much I miss him. He treated me like a princess. His sense of humor and positive spirit touched everyone who knew him. He was a true Valadier. Wendy
Jay Wolf
July 28, 2007
Jerry was a great loveing, kind and thoughtful person and i will miss him greatly.
Steve Linerode
July 28, 2007
Jerry is not gone he did leave a piece of himself in each of our Hearts .When you were down he would surely bring you up and make your day . He turely cared about every person in his life and let them know they were special and mattered to him . I can see him now telling St.Peter a good joke while tring to sell him something and just being Jerry . He will truely be missed . We Love you Jerry
Lisa Black
July 28, 2007
I am so sorry to hear that Jerry passed. It was truly a pleasure to meet him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
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