Gerald James McCarthy

Okemos

Jerry was born on September 29, 1926 in Kent County, Michigan, to Thomas J. and Irene (Blough) McCarthy and he passed away peacefully on December 27, 2013 at the age of 87. He graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Junior College and Michigan Technological University.

Jerry immediately embarked on his illustrious civil engineering career that spanned 6 decades. In his 36 years with the Michigan Department of Transportation he played a leading role in the development of Michigan’s freeway system. As MDOT Deputy Director-Highways from 1973-1994, he directed, supervised and coordinated all administrative, engineering and operational functions for the Bureau of Highways, supervising nearly 3,000 employees. He served as the MDOT official representative to the Blue Water Bridge Authority, Mackinaw Bridge Authority, International Bridge Authority and Ambassador Bridge Authority for fifteen years, as well as the State Employees Retirement Board from 1973-1984. He was its Chairman from 1976-1984.

After retiring from MDOT, he was the Managing Director of the Michigan Concrete Paving Association. Jerry’s final position was as president and owner of the Transportation Group, Inc. which represented several contractors, consulting engineers and private businesses. Jerry retired in January 2013.

Jerry received numerous awards throughout his career. He was proudest of those bestowed by his alma mater, Michigan Tech. These awards included both the Silver Medal Distinguished Graduate and Distinguished Service Awards. He was elected a member of the Michigan Tech Academy of Civil and Environmental Engineers. Jerry was inducted into the State of Michigan’s Transportation Hall of Honor in May 1998. Jerry also had a long and distinguished military career, he eventually retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves at the rank of Colonel.

In 1956, he married Sarah “Sally” Howard who preceded him in death in 1999. Jerry was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Calvin Coburn. Surviving are his three children, Kathy (Alex) Bozymowski Jr., Mary Beth Coburn and Tom (Becky) McCarthy; six grandchildren, Shaun (Jeanne), Lindsey (Chris), Alex, Andy, Elizabeth and Sarah; two great granddaughters, Madison and Gabriella and his close friend, Maxine Halverson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 3, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 4515 Dobie Road, Okemos, with Pastor Jim Wenger officiating. Interment will follow in Freeport Cemetery, Freeport, Michigan with Military honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at church.

Those desiring may make contributions to Faith Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in memory of Jerry.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. Online condolences may be made at: www.greastlansing.com