Jerry Roy Wilcox

Life in New York was cold, so the family moved to Southern California where Jerry spent his teenage years attending schools in La Sierra and Riverside. As a teenager, he was given his first guitar which changed his life forever. Jerry discovered he could play almost any musical instrument and fix almost anything mechanical.

At the age of 22, he met and married his wife of 48 years, Barbara Jean Hobbs. In 1967, Jerry and Jean started an automotive business called BJ’s Automotive. Together, with the help of their five children, they owned and operated a successful business. That business eventually became American Transmission and thrived for over 55 years. In 2022, Jerry sold the business and retired so he could spend more time doing the things he loved.

Jerry had many passions of which music was his favorite. He loved playing lead guitar and singing karaoke. He also held a private pilot’s license, enjoyed flying, and owned his own plane. When he was younger, he was an avid snow skier, water skier, and tennis player.

Jerry was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Jean, and his son, Ray. Jerry is survived by four of his children; Rick, Chiles, Jerry, and Sherrie. Today, hard-working hands will be laid to rest.