05/24/08 Change of Address Ken Short IC2 1963 - 1966
05/25/07 Jerry Judge passed away at home with his family around him. He was 76 years old and suffered from metastasized prostate cancer in the bones and lung. Though he was born in Smithers, British Columbia, Canada, he was a native Iowan at heart, telling anyone who asked that he was from Iowa. This caused a bit of a problem in 2004 when he needed a passport to go to Ireland! Jerry had five loves in his life: Family, Religion, Iowa, Navy and Teaching (MCHS). Family was always first, with a large wonderful Irish group in Iowa. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Mary Judge, his sister Mary Elinor Tallman and brother Patrick James Judge. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth Sherman Judge of Chula Vista, his son Tom Judge of North Carolina, his daughters, Donna Judge of Chula Vista, Barbara Jensen and granddaughter Alayna Jensen of Chula Vista, daughter and son-in-law Linda and Tom Brault and granddaughters Gerilyn and Robyn Brault of Oceanside. His sister Margaret Ann Judge of Chula Vista, his brother and sister-in-law Bernard "Tony" and Kay Judge of California City and extended family Janet Colvard, Jon Erskine and Emily Erskine, Tom Luce, Steve Krekel and Bob Krekel. Jerry Judge was a devout life long Catholic who described himself as an Irishman in love with his God. He served mass daily as a youngster in Albia, Iowa, on board the many ships he served, during daily mass no matter where he was stationed and especially here at St. Rose the past 16 years of his retirement. Every summer he tried to spend a few weeks in Iowa to recharge his batteries. Family reunions are big in his family and because he came back yearly he helped keep them going for the younger generation. He was the family historian and produced "The Book" everyone refers to when needing to solve an argument. When he went to Ireland he saw why so many Irish settled in the green rolling hills of Iowa. His 21 years in the Navy was something he was very proud of and he enjoyed the many ships he served. He also enjoyed teaching the missiles to many officers and enlisted while stationed in Pomona and Vallejo, CA. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars often telling about spotting in the Korean War while sitting on the coldest winter hillside in the world. His final ship, the USS Topeka turned out to be his favorite. He served as Master of Ceremonies at their Fantail Follies in the Gulf of Tonkin and helped get the USS Topeka reunions going in 1990 where he again acted as Master of Ceremonies. Sadly, he will miss the 17th gathering in Indianapolis. Dan, Gary and Matt were special young men to him, and through the reunions he was able to reconnect with them and so many others. Teaching was his special forte. The 21 years at Marian Catholic High School where he taught business, typing, personal financial management (PFM) were truly his calling. He was golf coach, athletic director, vice principal and dean of discipline. He loved the Crusaders and bled blue and gold as he supported all the teams. The outpouring of e-mails from former students confirms he was an inspiring, wonderful and caring man. Does anyone still owe him a detention? Services: Friday, May 25th, Humphrey's Mortuary, 753 Broadway, Chula Vista, 91910. Viewing 5 to 9 p.m., Rosary and sharing 7 p.m. Funeral Mass: Saturday, May 26th, 11:00 a.m., St. Rose of Lima Church, 3rd and H Streets, Chula Vista 91910. In lieu of flowers: "Adopt a Student" St. Rose of Lima, 473 3rd Ave., Chula Vista 91910 or Marian Catholic High School, 1002 18th Street, San Diego 92154 or Sharp Hospice Care, 8881 Fletcher Parkway, Suite 336, La Mesa, CA 91942. Obituary submitted by Jack Timmons 05/18/07 Jerry Judge had been battling this cancer for some time and the radiation treatments were really hard on him. There is some comfort knowing the entire family was there at the end. John Reynolds has been provided the information by Ruth Cass forwarding. I'm sure Ruth Judge has been active letting many of Jerry's friends know. This is terribly sad news, we are reminded once again of our mortality. The good news is that the suffering was of relatively short duration and that phase is over. Sincerely, Jack E. Timmons |
