Jerald R. Cox

SOUTH PARIS – On Saturday, June 22, 2024, Jerald R. Cox, passed away peacefully at Market Square Health Care Center after a brief illness, with family by his side. He was 81 years old.

Jerry was born on Oct. 14, 1942, in North Norway to Jere and Delphine Elizabeth Cox, into a loving family that included four sisters. He married Brenda Billings on Feb. 8, 1963, and the couple raised four children before divorcing in 2000, although they maintained a close bond and remarkable friendship afterward. Jerry graduated from Norway High School in 1961.

In his young adulthood, he served in the Maine State Guard as a Second Lieutenant. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Maine, Farmington in 1996.

Jerry was a consummate Yankee jack-of-all-trades, and he knew how to do a bit of everything including carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, auto mechanics, and many other skills he put to good use throughout his varied career including: delivering fuel oil; manufacturing maintenance; general management; self- employed carpenter; plowing snow; paving contractor; hardware salesman; and teacher.

Jerry was a people-person, and he always had a smile and warm welcome for everyone. His family came first, and he strove to provide for others to the best of his ability. He was raised as a hard worker, and this ethic showed in all that he did. He loved to use his hands, whether it was working in his woodshop, fixing cars, or driving truck. He also knew how to take time for himself, and often spent quiet evenings reading or playing his guitar. Jerry also had an adventurous side: he loved traveling to new places with his daughter Lisa, and he enjoyed a few skydives with his son Leslie. He loved good conversation, and usually managed to squeeze in some well-earned words of wisdom (and a few humorous quips) whenever he was talking with someone.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Jere and Delphine Elizabeth, his sisters Joan Morgan and Janis Buck, and his ex-wife and close friend, Brenda. He is survived by his daughter Lisa of Laramie, Wyo.; son Leslie (Lisa Ackley) of Sumner; son Thomas (Melissa) of West Rutland, Vt.; daughter Tara (Kenny) Kist of Harrison; grandson Leslie Jr. of West Paris; granddaughter Mikayla Kist of Harrison; sister Jane Kimball of York; and sister Jolene Witham of South Paris.

A memorial service for Jerry is planned for Sunday, June 30, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the South Paris Fire Hall, and a graveside service is being planned for a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home 45 Main St South Paris, to make an online condolence please visit http://www.chandlerfuneral.com.