Name: Visitation for Jerry E. Lewis
Start: 2024-03-06T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-03-07T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home

Jerry E. Lewis
Passed away at Silver Cross Hospital, surrounded by his family, Friday, March 1, 2024 at the age of 79 years. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Jane A. Lewis, their son Christopher Richard Lewis, two cherished grandchildren Hunter and Haley Lewis and his sister Sue Ann Ellet and brother-in-law Jonathon Ellet, sisters-in-law Mary Alice (Joe) Maloni and Leslie (Bob) Zahm, and long-time friends Carolyn Baitinger, Sherry Sayles, and Debra Brubeck. Preceded in death by his parents Eldon and Martha Lewis and his in-laws Lester and Margaret West. Jerry was born on May 4, 1944 in Huntington, Indiana. Jerry met the love of his life Janie in kindergarten in 1949; they were married on June 13, 1965. Upon receiving his degree in Music from Indiana University, Jerry was hired at Bloomington Central Junior High School as band director. During that time he earned his Master's Degree in Trumpet at Indiana University and interviewed with Joliet Junior College. Jerry and Janie packed their two cats into the car and headed for Joliet, a decision that they never regretted. Jerry retired as Chairman of Fine Arts at Joliet Junior College in 2003. During his tenure, Jerry's impact was immeasurable. He founded both the Joliet Junior College Community Band and the Joliet Junior College Jazz Band, leaving an indelible mark on the Joliet musical legacy. Jerry also worked diligently on a proposal to have the Joliet Junior College Music Department accredited by NASM (National Association of Schools of Music). The hard work paid off and JJC was accredited in November 2002. He was a driving force behind the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Jazz Band, and showcased his passion for music by performing at events throughout the country. In addition to his professional achievements, Jerry was a devoted fan of the Indy 500 Raceway, attending the race for 50 consecutive years. He enjoyed leisurely rounds of golf, his summers in Door County, and winters in Destin, Florida. All brought him great joy and relaxation. Lying in State, at United Methodist Church of New Lenox, 339 W. Haven Ave. New Lenox, Thursday, March 7th from 10:00 A.M. until services at 11:00 A.M. Interment in Maplewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Jerry E. Lewis Scholarship Fund at JJC or the United Methodist Church of New Lenox Music Department will be appreciated. Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Wednesday, March 6th from 2:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M For additional information, please visit the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory website at www.CHSFUNERAL.com or call (815) 744-0022.

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Published by Herald-News from Mar. 4 to Mar. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Lewis

Sponsored by Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home.

7 Entries

Jim Schaefer

March 19, 2024

Jane, sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. From an old neighbor and member of that class in '49, Jim Schaefer

Linda Boroni Gonda

March 13, 2024

Jane & family,
Jerry was a great guy. We worked together many years at JUCO. He always had a smile on his face.
He will truly be missed.
With heartfelt sympathy and prayers,
Linda Boroni Gonda

Judith Manthei

March 10, 2024

Dear Jane, My sympathy to you and your family on Jerry's death. He was a great asset to JJC and the retirees. With Warm Aloha

Bob baca

March 7, 2024

Hi everyone,
We could not have more fortunate to have been friends or studied with Jerry Lewis. I studied trumpet from him my freshman year in high school until he passed away last Friday. Jerry was a once in a lifetime teacher/mentor that passed on every aspect of his rich musical and wisdom filled background.

Musically, not only did Jerry have "the sound" (Wow, did he have the sound!) I'll be forever grateful as a high school student, he took the helm with so many of those crucial, life, trunk of the tree decisions that make all the difference in our life's path. For me, one was after high school to attend Joliet Jr. College where he taught trumpet, as opposed to a larger university. At JJC, he created a vibrant environment with endless ensemble opportunities and motivated us to spend countless hours practicing with each other and helping each other raise the bar another notch. As a teacher, I've passed on these attributes to my own students. He was always there for us with advice on music and life. He helped set up our way of thinking, which is everything.

Like so many of us, the Lewis family have been lifelong friends. I had the privilege of teaching Jerry's son Chris in college and Janie has been right there alongside Jerry with life advice and funny stories. How did he pick a wife like that? And in kindergarten!! Only Jerry. Jerry truly had a life well lived by his own standards.
Thank God for Jerry Lewis.
-Bob Baca
JJC 1976-77

Sieberts

March 5, 2024

Love and prayers to all! Very sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry.
Bonnie and Dennis Siebert
Former. ski and Bike Chalet

Don Shepherd

March 4, 2024

Having gone to JJC, always trecked back to see when the jazz band was playing. Am sure Jerry had the musicians ready for their next step. Band always sounded great. Condolences......

Jim Kamrowski

March 3, 2024

I became a student in 1979 at JJC under the dynamic duo of Mr. Lewis and Mr. Krause. Both became lifelong friends and inspiration. Their tutelage made me a jazz fan for life. I was lucky enough to be in the jazz band when Mr. Lewis said that we had a great band and upon graduation he said it was an interesting year with a keyboard player trying to blow up the keyboard (me), and the drummer attempting to set his drums on fire! JJC is one of the most memorable times of my life due to Mr. Lewis and Mr. Krause. We lost Mr. Krause some time ago, and now the pillar of the JJC music department, Mr. Lewis. God rest his soul, and my deepest sympathy to Mrs. Lewis and the family. I hope Mr. Lewis is having a jam session right now with Mr. Krause! Perhaps Maynard Ferguson can sit in. Mr. Lewis, you will be missed.

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