Gerald Rudolph Herms

Gerald “Jerry” Rudolph Herms, 85, passed away unexpectedly February 26, 2023, deeply saddening family and friends. Born in Detroit November 6, 1937, he moved to Florida in 1945. In 1946, his family settled in Lutz, a place he lovingly called home throughout his life. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Helen Herms, brothers Gunther and Norman, and two nephews, David and Billy. He is survived by Dianne Finn, the love of his life for 44 years, his children Sara and Adam, nephews Carl and Ronnie, Dianne’s family that he thought of as his own, especially her sister and brother-in-law Gerianne and Bob Lewis, many friends in Tampa’s legal and arts communities, and two adorable cats, Snowy and Zippy.

Jerry dearly loved the rural Lutz community. His attachment to wild and domestic animals was strong, as was his support for animal welfare groups. He greatly enjoyed golf and tennis and coaching his son’s soccer team. He supported his beloved community by serving on the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department Board for 17 years and campaigning for his favorite political candidates.

After graduating from Hillsborough High School (1955) he enrolled at the University of Tampa in 1957. While a student at the University of Tampa, Jerry was the station manager of the school’s radio station, WTUN-FM, instilling in him a lifelong love of classical music and books. He also was a staff announcer for WPKM-FM until enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1959.

After completing training at Fort Monmouth, NJ, he was assigned to Seoul, Korea as a Broadcast Specialist (radio and TV news announcer) for the Armed Forces Network Korea. In his off-duty hours, he taught English to junior high and high school Korean students. During his tour there, he was chosen as Eighth Army’s Soldier of the Month and was also awarded the sharpshooter badge (carbine). Upon completion of his enlistment, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist Five.

In 1962, he enrolled at USF and worked for his old station WPKM-FM as program director. Jerry received his BA degree in English in 1963, then entered Stetson University College of Law in 1964. Upon completing law school, he was an attorney in the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s office. He later entered private practice and absolutely loved it, never giving any thought to retiring. For years, he shared office space with his best friends and fellow attorneys Walter Lopez and Sonny Palomino.

Jerry was a kind, caring, generous, and loving man who will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In his memory, contributions to any animal rescue organization would be welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to Blount & Curry Funeral Home- Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 West Bearss Ave, Tampa, Florida 33618.