JEROME D. (JERRY) NINE

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Jerome D. (Jerry) Nine, 89, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Trinity Rock Island.

Jerry was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, February 19, 1935, to James Lawrence Nine and Sadie Perrit Nine. His family moved to Akron, Ohio in 1941. He graduated from Colonial Grade School in 1949, then Kenmore High School in 1953. Jerry excelled in football, basketball, and baseball in high school. As a result, he was selected to the Akron All-City Football Team his senior year. After graduating from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber apprentice program as an electrician in 1957, Jerry won the P.W. Litchfield award for athletics, and Humanitarian Of The Year award. Since his parents were both deaf, ASL was his first language. He spent a lifetime interpreting for Goodyear and he was a staunch advocate for the deaf community. After 44 years of service as a Maintenance Electrician, Jerry retired from Goodyear in 1997.

After retirement, Jerry and Bonnie enjoyed numerous vacation trips including Hawaii, Alaska, and cruise excursions. Each winter for 25 years, they traveled to Myrtle Beach to beat the cold Ohio climate. The two of them were inseparable. Jerry was also a professional at yard sales. He and Bonnie took great pride in restoring antique furniture that were acquired on a summer morning searching for bargains.  

Jerry was an avid sports fan. Living in Northeast Ohio, he was loyal to the Cleveland Browns, Indians, Cavs, and of course, The Ohio State Buckeyes. Throughout his life, Jerry paid forward. He was the president of several bowling leagues, coached youth basketball, Master of Revelers Unit of Yusef Khan Grotto, belonged to Englebeck Lodge, and was past Commodore of Goodyear Boating and Yachting Association.  

Jerry was recognized as a 50-year member of First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, OH where he was past president of Methodist Men, past president and teacher of Wesley Class, bus driver, and youth counselor. Jerry was a 25-year volunteer at Good Neighbors of Cuyahoga Falls, OH.  

Jerry leaves behind to mourn his passing his beloved wife, Bonnie; four children, Jeri Lynne Nine, Scott Butler, Bryan (Becky) Butler, and Patrick (Katrina) Butler; ten grandchildren, Michael Pryor, Michelle (Stephen) Watt, Dirk Filon, Curtis Butler, Megan Butler, Jessica Butler, Beth (Mary Guillen) Butler, Taylor Butler, Bryce Butler, Jaxson Butler; two great grandchildren, Stephen Watt and Sydney Watt; one Beloved Brother Louis “Louie” Nine of Mesquite, Nevada formerly of Akron; and a niece & nephew.

A Celebration of life will be held December 28, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio at 11 a.m. Cremation has taken place. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, OH or Good Neighbors of Cuyahoga Falls, OH at P.O. Box 233, Cuyahoga, OH 44221. Online Condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.