Name: Schoedinger Midtown
Address: Columbus, OH

I had the privelege of speaking with Jerry back in November after reading his article in the Jorunal of Art Education on qualitative language, an shared interest. He was engaging and interested in speaking about his work and I had hoped on further communications, possibly even a collaboration regarding language and art. It was a surprise to hear of his passing and I hope all the best for his family and friends. Art education is a small family and members of this community appreciate their connections to each other. Very sorry to hear about this loss.

Jerry was one of my greatest heros.  He was so compassionate about the visual arts and spread art wherever he went.  I will never forget his purple suit coat.  I even performed a song to him about it at one of the OAEA conventions.  I will miss him.  May he rejoice eternally in Heaven.

With Jerry Tollifson's passing, art education in Ohio lost one of its greatest champions.  I consider him a role model for the consistency and longevity of his accomplishments as an artist and educator.  His remarkable integrity and lifelong dedication remain an inspiration to those of us who hope to follow in his footsteps.

My Brother-in law, Jerry, good man, good friend - will always treasure his unique, contempory, flower art pieces displayed in my home. I  especially,remember those times of his carrying support of my entire family down through the years.
Bill Stevens Sr.

For a wedding gift, Uncle Jerry gave to us a series of his drawings titled "Trees at Woodscape".  We have hung this art in prominence in each of our homes & frequently remembered the note he included: "These trees have watched over us through all our years of marriage.  May they see you through all the days of your marriage."
This gift epitomizes to me the person that Uncle Jerry was; creative, insightful, confident, interesting, wise, loving, peaceful & loyal.
We both always appreciated his artwork & enthusiasm to share with us his works in progress.  His grand-nephew (our son), Hudson remembers Uncle Jerry as very kind, gentle & of course his characteristic moustache
Now in his passing we hope that his powerful legacy will continue to bless and enrich many more.  We will definitely miss Jerry.

- Bill & Esther Stevens

The family gatherings in Albert Lea, Minnesota were always enlightened when Jerry arrived.  Together, Jerry and his uncle, Thomas Dow Metcalfe, provided the quips and conversation to favor a wonderful day.   I will miss Jerry's many letters and mailings to keep our family current with his life-work in art.  A life well spent, Jerry.....I  will miss
you!         Cousin, Betty Hermanson.
 ,

Jerry was a mentor and a kind heart and a gentle soul.  To a spectacular life!   Thank you. 

Loren E. Bucek, Columbus, Ohio USA

Lit a candle in memory of Thomas Gerald "Jerry" Tollifson

For many years I've attended figure drawing with Jerry.  He was always interesting, forever friendly, always interesting, frequently funny.  I've attended a showing of his neon art at his house.  The family friends that I brought along with me at the time were quite impressed with him. Their son later heard him speak on his experience in WWII in his high school class. He never let age slow him down.  I remember we had to insist on getting and putting away his chair at the figure drawing sessions.  We will all miss him.

I will always remember Jerry as a mentor, inspiration, and humorist.  What a guy!
From a fellow traveler, Linda

Nature's Twig Arrangement was purchased for the family of Thomas Gerald "Jerry" Tollifson.

2 files added to the album Jerry Tollifson

Jerry was my very special uncle who was always the life of the party.  I am so grateful that in recent years my children and my niece and nephew were able to get to know their great-uncle.  We treasured his visits to San Diego and will cherish the pictures he drew for us.  I loved his passion for life, his energy, and his curiosity.  I can still hear his fabulous laugh!!  We will miss him very much.
     A few years ago Jerry was a panelist in my Lifespan Development class at San Diego State University.  He, along with other seniors, spoke to my class about their experiences, their lives, and their advice to young people.  Jerry thoroughly enjoyed this experience, and the students loved him!  Later, the students wrote comments to the panelists.  One student wrote to Jerry saying, “Jerry, dude I want to be just like you when I'm old!!"
- Pamela Walker Gardner (niece)

8 files added to the album Jerry Tollifson

I remember reading poetry with Jeanine, Jerry and their grand-niece, Ashley over lunch on a couple of occasions. In later years, my husband and I enjoyed our visits to his "Woodscape" home on our occasional pilgrimages back to Ohio, and introducing him to our children. On our last visit to his house, he was in his glory, showing us his recently completely A-frame art studio. We were very excited and impressed by the studio and all of the beautiful and unique neon light sculptures.
-Alison Nelson (niece)

Jerry (top left) with his mother and siblings

Jerry always prided himself on his dapper appearance, but the story he told about being trapped in a foxhole during WWII was the most memorable -- and earthy.  I treasure the artwork he did that I have in my home and think of him every time I look at it.  He loved his beloved Jeannine, and I like to think that he is with her now -- holding hands and doing "art work" together again.

I have known Jerry for many years through book discussions at First Community Church. I enjoyed visits to his wonderful A frame art studio that he dreamed about and planned for so long. Jerry was an extremely interesting, insightful, energetic and youthful gentleman who will be missed by many. His neon light will continue to shine and inspire all who knew him.

Connie Foster

Jerry and I ran into each other at the Columbus Museum of Art one evening.  We were both their on our own but eventually took in the tour of the evening together collaborating on our vintage dress that was laid out for the attendees and getting a photo together.  We were each others' "dates" for the night and had a wonderful time playing the roles.  I called him an OAEA (Ohio Art Education Association) "immortal" because of his amazing contribution to the world of art educators.  He will be, in my mind, forever creative and youthful.

I am saddened by the passing of such a wonderful individual and also inspired by a truly great human with such a grand impact on the arts in education. I will always consider Jerry "The Godfather" of Ohio Arts Education. I am honored to have known Jerry through the Ohio Art Education Association and his continued work in the arts. Thanks for always being such a great model for art educators, Jerry. You will always be loved & missed.

God called home a true visionary whose life touched so many in his time here. Jerry  inspired art educators world wide and I am proud to be one of the many his leadership touched in the Ohio Art Education Asociation.The culminating title of  "OAEA FELLOW" speaks volumns for his lasting legacy in our field. Bless us everyone who knew and loved Jerry. 

                    Joan Maxwell

The word of Jerry Tollifson’s passing strikes a solemn cord with me. My sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this special man. The Art Education field in Ohio and beyond has lost a great creative talent, a remarkable teacher and a wonderful human being. As we all know, Mr.Tollifson possessed a genius for making an impression on all that met him. His sense of style never went unnoticed by me, he was a dandy indeed. It is an outstanding testament of a life lived well that so many can call to mind how intellectually stimulating, progressive and fun Mr. Tollifson was. Moreover, that his students and colleagues have benefitted greatly from his enormous talent and generosity.

Jerry’s intellect, creativity, and humor always quietly ruled the room when he entered.  We enjoyed  his leadership and willingness to remain involved in advocating for the arts.  He loved teaching and was delighted when I recently explained to him that I had met a student of his that he taught at U.A. about 40 years ago.  That student has been an art teacher now for 30 years, too. His influence spread far and wide…and always with a gracious smile

The Sunday morning classes at First Community Church will not be the same without Jerry's wry wit, challenging mind, and radiating smile.  He was a wonderful man and a wonderful friend.  

Go in peace, Jerry, go in peace.  Anne

Mr. Tollifson was, in the 1960's, my 9th grade art teacher at what was then known as Jones Junior High School in Upper Arlington, OH.  He loved teaching and art so passionately that he lighted my lifelong love of the fine arts, which to this day, at now 60 years old, means so much to me.  
Today my home is filled with art:  original oil paintings from American and international artists, original water colors from Scotland and Japan, framed silk Gucci scarves, original new and antique needlework... there is hardly a fine art form that Mr Tollifson isn't credited with having helped me appreciate.  
In the 9th grade at Jones, art was an elective subject; I was so fortunate to have been a student of one of his classes.  Our school system was blessed to have had his talents for so many years.  God was on my shoulders when I signed up to take his class.
Peace and Grace be with you all,
John M. Wheatley
Worthington OH

Fireside Basket - Red, White and Blue was purchased for the family of Thomas Gerald "Jerry" Tollifson.

I met Jerry about 2 years ago when he was looking for someone to help him with the wooden portion of some new art projects he had conceived. It was an honor to be able to assist him and then see the completed works at his open house. He quickly became a friend with his casual and engaging style

Bill Stauffer

Jerry was the life of the party at many OAEA conferences back in the day. He will always be our Ohio Art Education guru and icon. He inspired so many to try to be dynamic  and interesting teachers. He was always there, giving his time, expertise and energy to arts education in Ohio. He will be missed by so many whose hearts and minds he touched during his career.

OBITUARY

Thomas Gerald "Jerry" Tollifson

February 4, 1925 – December 27, 2011

Schoedinger Midtown

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