James Lawrence Gerard

Born July 1st, 1947, in Bayport, NY, he was the son of the late Millard and Frances Gerard, also of Bayport. He attended Bayport-Blue Point High School, and completed his education while serving in the United States Air Force as a communications specialist. After leaving the service, he worked in New York City for Western Union telegrams before returning to Bayport for employment, as he began his life as a family man. He was a proudly retired custodian from the Bayport-Blue Point School District in NY, employed by Charlotte Latin School, and is also retired as a warehouse manager for the Charlotte Observer.

Jimmy was a 60 year lifetime member of the Bayport Fire Department, with over 25 years of dedicated active service as a volunteer firefighter in his community,

Family was everything to Jimmy; he married Rosemarie Purrazzella on May 3, 1975, and had two daughters who were the apple of his eye - he loved his ‘Daddy’s Girls’. He was also a proud ‘Pop-Pop’ of three.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Rosemarie Gerard; two children, Regina Gerard of Greenville, NC and Melissa Efird of Clover, SC; and his three beloved grandchildren, Kat, Mel and CJ Efird.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Gerard.

A service to celebrate Jimmy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of McEwen Funeral Home - Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28210.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to send memorial gifts please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org)

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com