Anyone that knew JT could say this about him.. He was a child at heart. He was always cracking a joke and had the loudest laugh in the room that made you want to laugh too. He was relentlessly devoted to the disabled community in any way he could be, with sports- especially basketball. But, he also never missed an important moment with the family. Birthdays, recitals, Christmas parties, he was there for it all. I never met anyone more devoted to a community and, at the same time, always there for his family. 
 
 There are so many things that I miss and will always remember about JT but, his sincerity and love were beyond special to me and I try to be more like him in these ways. He never left anything unsaid and when he made a commitment he showed up every single time. 

 JT was a wonderful dad to my older sister, Elaina, and even though he wasn’t my father he always accepted me as his own. We had an unspoken bond, he knew I need a father figure in my life and he never questioned stepping up for me. I will forever be grateful for that. He was the best Bapa to my kids, he just lit up every time he got a chance to see them. 

There are many valuable lessons I have learned in life from JT and countless memories that I will forever cherish. He lived a life that truly inspires me to always be my best, and never give up. 
He will always be in our hearts.

My family met J.T.  more than 20 years ago through the wheelchair basketball circle. I was immediately drawn to and touched by his  warm  and sincere connection to children with disabilities, as well as his effortless gift of being a father. He talked about his girls constantly, and often had at least Elaina with him. Though I don't really know the other girls, I give him a huge credit for the wonderful woman Elaina is! I'm sure I would say the same about the others if I knew them. He was that amazing! J.T.  also had a fearless loyalty to family, friends and those in the disabled community that is indescribable! I was in awe of how he took care of those he loved and his passion for being there for those who needed him! His Earthly  body may be gone from this word, but I believe his spirit is with our Heavenly Father, healed and whole. His memory  will remain  here on Earth with the countless people whose lives he affected; my children, ex-husband and myself included!!!! Eventhough I did not see him much after the kids graduated, we kept in touch through texts. It saddens me to realize too late, that keeping in touch through texts was NOT NEARLY enough! Needless to say, we are extremely saddened by his passing, but I will always remember him with love and be grateful for all the ways he was there for Howard Michael and Brittany. Much love and prayers to Elaina and the rest of his family. You are in our prayers. Melinda Ayers

I met JT about 41 years ago, he was playing wheelchair basketball.  My friend/neighbor  Carol Stevenson had me tag along out to Bauchman recreation center where most of the games and practices were held at the time.  Little did she know she was a match-maker in the works.

We had many a good time over the years!!!  JT and I share a daughter, Elaina Nicole Terry and he always claimed to be step-dad to my daughters Emily Moreno and Kristin Kastanek.  He never missed a school event, softball game or dance recital.  

JT was a good soul, always willing to lend a hand and enjoyed all sports.  He kept active always.  I can remember we couldn’t go anywhere without someone knowing him.  He never met a stranger!  

JT will be missed, and I’ll  always remember him!  Prayers to all his friends and my family during this time of grief.  Rest In Peace JT 🧡
Lori Boccaccio Kastanek

OBITUARY

Jerry Gayle Terry Jr.

October 13, 1964 – October 4, 2020

Grove Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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