Our world lost a well loved & respected husband, father, papa, brother, uncle and friend on September 20, 2010. As he was taking his last breath on this earth there was a sudden gust of wind that blew through the air creating a song with the wind chimes outside of our window. We believe he was riding with angels to be grandly welcomed into Heaven. Jerry was born on February 1, 1946 in Tuscola, Illinois. He graduated from Newman HS & received a BS degree from Western Illinois University, MA from University of Miami and a Sloan Fellows MBA from MIT. His career accomplishments were many & included: coaching football at University of Miami & Washington State University; sales & management positions at American Express & Raychem Corp.; CEO, entrepreneur and for the past 6 years real estate sales & investments. Jerry was a sports fan extraordinaire & loved the St. Louis Cardinals & Miami “Hurricanes”. Jerry was a proud & adoring family man, true & loyal friend, accomplished businessman, gifted athlete, wise mentor, faithful servant and all around “good guy”! He was the strongest of men and yet also the gentlest, with a kind word for all. He has left all of us with a rich legacy of what a man should aspire to become. Jerry is survived by his devoted & loving wife, Cheryl; children, Scott Wamsley (Michele), Stephanie Middleton (Rusty), Michelle Parisian (Alan) & Alanna Foudy (Ken); beloved grandkids; Mia & Hanna Wamsley, Maddux Lee Middleton, Brianna, C.J. & Donovan Parisian, Cole & Tate Foudy; his mom Helen; siblings, Jim, Jay, Joyce, Janet & their families, “adopted” daughter Lisa Molloy & her family. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces and treasured friends…many of them lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his father Howard & Brothers Joe and John. A Funeral Mass will be held in his honor on Friday, Oct 8, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ. How blessed we have been to share this life with Jerry Wamsley. Rest beloved Jerry – free of pain in everlasting peace!
In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014; any organization that is united in the fight against cancer (especially bladder cancer) or cause of choice. For more information, visit his website at: www.caringbridge.org and type in ‘coachjerry’ to leave a message on the guestbook.
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Patrick Potts
So sorry to hear this.. and so late – – Coach Wamsley was my brothers Wrestling coach at NEW TRIER EAST HS in Winnetka and he invited us all to his first wedding (1970?) and he was such a great figure in our lives… I saw him in Miami, he took us to practice and also when he came to visit my parents in Dallas when he was a salesman… Somehow he popped into my head today a few times and I thought I would find him and reach out… lesson learned that the great folks in your life should be reached more often,.. I am heartbroken not to be able to tell him how I wanted to be like him and his pursuit of physical health was a great lesson to this day. He was legendary to us Potts Brothers and our family and he will be missed in many ways but that big smile & never give up attitude is what I remember. Love and prayers to his whole clan – Patrick Potts
Bill Lawlor
Same sentiments as above. I just happened to see this so many years after Jerry’s passing. He was my wrestling coach freshman year in high school and I was a complete jerk to him. My sophomore year he was my football coach. I thought he would hold a grudge against me (he had every right to do so) but didn’t; he gave me a second chance. I learned a life’s lesson from that.
He was the best coach I ever had and a terrific role model for young men. I too regret not knowing him later in life.
This was a touching obituary to read. God Bless “Coach Wams”, may he rest in peace. Bill Lawlor