Gerald Arthur "Jerry" Ness

Gerald Arthur Ness, age 85, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022, in Tallahassee, Florida. Jerry was born on September 14, 1936, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of Marguerite and Lloyd Ness and was the brother of Allen Ness (Diane) and Richard Ness. He was preceded in death by his sister Patricia. At the age of 18, Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy, which began a 26 year career, as a Chief Hospital Corpsman. During his service, he was stationed many places but he especially enjoyed his time in Bahrain and in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 1978, his final orders brought him to Tallahassee, Florida, where he later retired. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sandra Jokinen Ness; his son Eric Ness (Malin) Sweden; and his daughter Jennifer Ault (Scott) Tallahassee, FL. He was very proud of his grandchildren: Katie (Washington, DC), Jack (Charleston, SC), Cole (Tallahassee, FL), Emelie (Sweden) and Ellinor (Sweden). Jerry always had a smile on his face, and everyone became his friend. The following words he read every morning: This is your life. Find a passion and pursue it. Fall in love. Dream big. Drink wine, eat great food and spend quality time with good friends. Laugh every day. Believe in magic. Tell stories. Reminisce about the good old days but look with optimism to the future. Travel often. Learn more. Be creative. Spend time with people you admire. Seize opportunities when they reveal themselves. Love with all your heart. Never give up. Do what you love. Be true to who you are. Make time to enjoy the simple things in life. Spend time with family. Forgive even when it’s hard. Smile often. Be grateful. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Follow your dreams. Try new things. Work hard. Don’t count the minutes count the laughs. Embrace change. Trust in yourself. Be thankful. Be nice to everyone. Be happy. Live for today. And above all… Make Every Moment Count. Graveside military services with full honors will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2022 at Tallahassee National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Sweat Therapy Fitness, 1122 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303. Please write “RSB Scholarship Fund” in the memo line. Jerry enjoyed his Rock Steady Boxing classes, which were instrumental in helping him live with Parkinson’s. He considered the staff and all classmates his friends. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the Ness family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

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Gerald Arthur "Jerry" Ness

September 14, 1936 - July 24, 2022