Jerry M. Johnson
UNADILLA — Jerry M. Johnson, 62, of Unadilla, passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, surrounded by his family after an illness with cancer.
Jerry was born April 7, 1950, in Sidney, the son of the late E. Bernard (Ben) and Janet (Vail) Johnson.
He graduated from Unatego High School in 1969, and lived most of his life in Unadilla. He was a member of the National Guard, honorably discharged in 1976.
He worked as a manger for the Victory Markets grocery stores in the Utica area. He co-owned Bert & Ernie’s Tavern in Unadilla. He was a truck driver, driving over a million plus miles during his career for companies such as Sears & Roebuck and DL Reed Construction. He was also a successful owner/operator hauling cars for Allied Automotive and mobile homes for Star Fleet.
He was a proud Teamster member who was the Steward for Binghamton Local No. 693 during the construction of the millennium pipeline.
Jerry particularly loved antique John Deere tractors which he repaired (and repaired again) and rode with his twin brother, Jim in parades, Catskill Antique Tractor plow days or just for fun.
Jerry was the Exalted Ruler of the Sidney Elks Lodge 2175. He was also an active member of the Unadilla Fire Department with his son, Jeremy. He recently had the honor and enjoyed the opportunity to drive the brand new pumper from South Dakota to Unadilla.
He was a past elder and attended the Presbyterian Churches of Unadilla and East Guilford.
Jerry was long time member of the Unadilla Rod and Gun Club.
Jerry is survived by his partner, April McWeeney; and their son, Jeremy James Johnson. Jerry always said that Jeremy was his reward for all the good things he did. He is also survived by his loving siblings, Eric (Teresa) Johnson of Thomasville, N.C., Mike (Cindy) Johnson, Bainbridge, Jim (Marge) Johnson, Unadilla, Karen Johnson-Feltham, Ithaca, Steve (Melba) Johnson, Houston, Texas; nieces and nephews, Stephanie Maner, Chuck Bronson, Michelle (Bronson) Brock, Jake, Graham and Anna Feltham, Axel and Nina Johnson, Michelle Hoag, Renee Hunt, Chelsi Rosa, Danielle Rabideau, Doug and Shayne Rosa; and many close cousins, aunts, uncles and many, many dear friends.
Friends may call at their convenience from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, at the funeral chapel. Following the service there will be a family and friend gathering at the Elks Lodge in Sidney.
Burial will be private in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Sidney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Unadilla Fire Department or the Presbyterian Churches of East Guilford or Unadilla.
Condolences may be sent to the family online to www.landersfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel Sidney.
