Gerald Kenneth McGuinness Jr.

Jerry was born September 8, 1939, in New Brunswick, NJ. He was the eldest son of Kenneth and Karin (née Sjöström) McGuinness. He attended St. Clara Elementary School in Metuchen, NJ. In 1948, Jerry’s family moved to Tampa. Jerry attended Twin Lakes Elementary School, Oak Grove Junior High School, and Hillsborough High School where he played the trumpet in the high school band. During high school, Jerry worked at the Big Barn grocery store part-time. He was a life-long baseball fan and during his senior year of high school, he tried out for a position with the New York Yankees organization at Al Lang Stadium.

After graduating from high school, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force on July 17, 1958. He completed bootcamp in San Antonio, TX and was stationed at Pease AFB in Portsmouth, NH. In October 1958, he received orders for Ramstein Air Base in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. Three months later, he was transferred to Camp Griffiss in Bushy Park, London, England. After six months at Camp Griffiss, he was transferred to Mildenhall RAFB, in Suffolk, England, where he completed his military service. Jerry was honorably discharged in July 1962 and returned to the US. Jerry’s love for his country was undying. He was a true patriot and flew the American flag every day.

After his military service, Jerry worked briefly for Tioga Vending Company before being hired by Northwest Airlines, where he worked in Cargo Operations and Ticketing for 34 years. Jerry was an avid bowler and while at Northwest Airlines, traveled across the US to compete in bowling tournaments, winning numerous trophies. When Jerry retired in 1998, he remarked, “If I had worked one day longer, I would have lost it with all the crazy passengers!”

In retirement, Jerry spent his time golfing and meeting weekly with his Northwest Airlines colleagues. Once a year, he traveled to Palm Springs, CA, to visit with his younger brother, John and his friend Denver. In 2011, Jerry married Janice and together they continued to make visits to Palm Springs.

Jerry and Janice led a joyous life together, attending church, dining out, and taking numerous trips across Florida including visits to his parents’ gravesite in Bushnell. Jerry was an affectionate and loving husband. He gave Janice roses every week. He liked to hold her hand and tell her how much he loved her. Jerry was also a great listener. His patience was limitless (notwithstanding the crazy Northwest passengers), and he could converse easily with anyone, friend or stranger, with whom he spent time. He loved the music of "Abba" and Celine Dion, and would sing and dance whenever their songs came on the Radio.

Jerry was an animal lover and the proud dog dad to Tiger and dog uncle to Finn. He showered his dogs with love and attention. Jerry also loved to keep his yard immaculately and was awarded a community prize for it. After his passing and in honor of Jerry’s love for his country and dedication to his yard, Janice and Jerry’s friends filled the front yard with American flags.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Janice, brother John, sister-in-law Marcy (née Beersingh) Wright, and brother-in-law Kenneth (Jackie) Beersingh.

There will be a private ceremony for the family at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.