Grady, Jerry
Passed: 2012-05-01
Age: 62
Source: Ravenswood News
Death Notice:
Obituary Date: 2012-05-10
Information: Jerry Grady, husband, father, 4-H leader, lifelong learner, teacher and West Virginia fan, died May 1 at Hubbard Hospice House after living with colon cancer for nearly five years. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Hawley Grady of Charleston; daughters, Jessica Grady of Huntington and Melissa ""Anya"" Grady and husband, Jeremy, of Sarasota FL; and his brother, Gary Grady and wife Chris of Charleston. Preceding him in death were his parents, Dorn and Georgia Grady of Cottageville. Jerry was born January 9, 1950 in Jackson County, where he lived most of his life. He graduated as salutatorian from Ravenswood High School; from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in education; and West Virginia College of Graduate Studies with a master's degree in counseling. He worked as a juvenile probation officer from 1972 to 1974; WVU Extension 4-H agent for Jackson County from 1974 to 1986; adult basic education teacher and coordinator/adult education coordinator/vocational counselor for Jackson County Schools from 1986 to 2001; Ripley school counselor from 2001 to 2005; and West Virginia social studies teacher at Ripley Middle from 2005 to 2010. Some of his awards and accomplishments include: organizer and longtime president of the Jackson County 4-H Foundation; president of the Jackson County Junior Fair; president of the WV 4-H Agents Association; president of the West Virginia Adult Education Association; 1979 Young Professional award from WVU Extension; 1986 4-H Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents; 1994 West Virginia Adult Educator of the Year; 1994 West Virginia 4-H Alumni Award; Honorary Golden Horseshoe in 2010; and the West Virginia 4-H Hall of Fame. In 2011 he was recognized for his volunteer work with West Virginia Archives and History. During his lifetime Jerry felt privileged to have been both a 4-H agent/leader, and a teacher of West Virginia social studies. As a 4-H agent and volunteer leader, he touched the lives of thousands of youth and adults in Jackson County and across the state of West Virginia, especially in the areas of new projects, creative camping, recreation, folk dancing, and environmental programs. He was director of Alpha I State 4-H Camp for seven years, and counselor for many more. He was a proud Delaware and Big Foot at Jackson County 4-H camps since 1960. Jerry also was a 4-H pin wearer and All Star. One of his last projects was a massive ""History of 4-H in Jackson County"". At age 55, Jerry began a lifelong dream of teaching eighth grade West Virginia social studies. He was very passionate about sharing his love of the state of West Virginia with youth using creative and innovative methods in the classroom, including heritage, music, current news and many hands-on activities. Joys of his life, in addition to family, included travel, reading, music, nature and genealogy. Some of his greatest thrills were camping, hiking, backpacking, canoeing and caving throughout West Virginia. Jerry was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Kanawha Vallay. He believed his greatest contribution to life, however, was the raising of his two daughters along with his former wife, Kit Greenough. He was very proud of both Jessica and Anya. He especially loved the many weekends they enjoyed at a remote cabin in Jackson County. Jerry wished to give special thanks to several people: longtime friend and family physician, Dr. William Harris of Charleston, for his meticulous medical care and his outstanding humor; Dr. Arun Nagarajan and the nurses of David Lee Cancer Center for the love and care over the years which extended the quantity and quality of his life; the staff of Hospice Care and Hubbard Hospice House; his favorite nurse, his wife, Pam, for her constant work to make his life better and longer. His body was cremated. A celebration of his life will be held at 3 pm Sunday, May 20, at Cedar Lakes Assembly Hall and will include shared memories, music and chocolate. As a final gift, Jerry asked that friends email a story of Jerry to his wife at jerrygradymemorial@hotmail.com. Anyone wishing to honor Jerry's life work is asked to make a contribution payable to the Jackson County 4-H Foundation, c/o WVU Extension Service, Jackson County Office, 157 County Farm Road, Cottageville WV 25239. Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.