Jerry was born on October 16, 1929 in Rawson, Ohio to Ferrol and Helen Wolfrom. His father worked in construction his entire life. Jerry's brother, Norman, was born six years later.
Jerry was always proud to be from a small town, and often felt he had a better handle on life than some of his friends from large cities.
He loved school and never celebrated when a term ended. As a student he was a voracious reader, participated in all school activities and played football, basketball and baseball. He developed an interest in theatre and writing while still in grade school. He once said he wrote his first book while in the fourth grade - three notebook pages about race horses.
He cherished his boyhood days growing up in the village of Mt. Cory in Hancock County. There, his dad taught him to hunt, trap and fish and he delighted in summer days spent swimming in creeks near town.
While those were Great Depression times, life was good and worry -free. Jerry's mother and father instilled in him a strong work ethic. For recreation during the middle -1930's, a trip to Bluffton every Saturday night was a treat. Parents of that era usually gave their children a nickel to spend on penny candy at five different stores.
Later, in high school, he held jobs on a night clean-up crew at a dairy. He also worked as, a laborer in a glove factory and as a farm laborer at harvest time, back-breaking toil in the corn and sugar beet fields. He also worked nights in the finishing room at the Cooper Tire company and then with a pick and shovel on highway construction projects.
His interest in writing was developed in the fourth grade when he wrote a book -- a three page handwritten story about race horses. His appetite for writing was further sharpened as sports editor of his high school yearbook. His writing career spanned SEVEN DECADES.
He met his first wife, Joan, while they were in high school. The relationship began on a hayride and turned into a marriage of 41 years. She passed away at age 58, much too young for such a wonderful woman, he said. She gave him two great children, Steve and Scotti Mesarchik, and he was often saddened in recent years that Joan never got to see her grandchildren. Joan supported him when he returned to college - after 10 years as a marketing analyst with Marathon Oil -- to learn to be a journalist.
Jerry later was married to Neva for 10 years, saying recently he learned a lot from her about life. Things like honesty, faith and compassion. She's remained his good friend in the years up until she passed in May 2014.
He has a long time friend and recent companion, Gloria, who helped him continue in his faith and enjoy the last of his life.
At Bowling Green State University he was voted the Top College Writer in Ohio in 1962, the same year BGSU gave him the prestigious Golden Scissors Award, the School of Journalism's highest award. The University again honored him in 1990 by inducting him into the journalism school's Hall of Fame for 33 years of community newspaper service. The Ohio Senate honored him in August 2014 for 50 years of service to Cambridge
Jerry worked as a reporter for the Findley Courier, The Reynoldsburg Record and the Easton Maryland Star-Democrat before joining the editorial staff at the Daily Jeffersonian in 1962.
There, he began as a reporter, then moved up to sports editor, city editor and managing editor. From 1973-78 he ran the Newcomerstown News for the Jeffersonian company and served on the Jeff's board of directors. He wrote about 4000 columns during his career, in addition to thousands of news articles and editorials. While he had held the editor's job with the Daily Jeffersonian, his first love was writing. He wrote five books, all collections of his better columns.
For many years he was a sought-after speaker, always presenting an upbeat humorous message to audiences in this area. He often said,"If you ain't got no sense of humor, you ain't got no sense at all." He also liked to say, "If your too busy to go fishing, you're too busy."
He retired in 1992, but returned to the Daily Jeffersonian a year later to spend another year as acting general manager. A few months later, he returned again for a short time as the newspaper's ombudsman.
After buying a home in Florida, Jerry worked for the Fort Myers News-Press and became a travel writer for Mature Lifestyles, a large circulation magazine for senior citizens. The job took him to several foreign countries.
Jerry always said his associations with the Amos, Moorehead and Dix families were wonderful, calling them great friends and mentors. Over the years he was active as a Boy Scout Leader, Little League, Midget Football, bass clubs, the Cambridge Writers Workshop and in community theatre. He also enjoyed Chamber of Commerce work, cooking and competitive bass fishing.
As an editor he enjoyed working with young reporters and always was happy when they moved on to larger papers. After his retirement he took a special interest in his grandchildren --- Amanda Grace Wolfrom, Zachary Stephen Wolfrom, Jordan Michael Mesarchik, Carli Joann Mesarchik and Sarah Corner.
In addition, he stayed active by writing two columns a week for the Jeffersonian, bringing a smile to thousands of readers. He also was a founder of the Cambridge Writer Workshop and most recently a member of the Rainy Day Writers, whose last book debuted in November 2014.
Not long ago someone Jerry, "How would you like to be remembered?" He replied, "Oh, I'd be happy if people just said 'Jerry was a nice guy.'"
On Wednesday, February 4, 2015, memorial visitation will take place at Bundy-Law Funeral Home from 2 pm to 3 pm. A memorial service will follow at 3 pm. Pastor Sturman Moore will officiate the service. Private family burial will take place in Northwood Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. Jerry's online tribute wall may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com .
ACROSS THE DARK WATERS WAS WAFTED A SHOUT...MY COMRADES CALL "30" LIFE'S EDITION IS OUT.