Jerry Newnum, 62, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on May 7, 2026, in Kalamazoo, just two days shy of his birthday. He was born on May 9, 1963, in Kalamazoo to Wallace Newnum and Harleen Newnum (Cosby).

Jerry’s life was built around family, loyalty, laughter, and showing up for the people he loved. To know him was to know someone truly one of a kind. Three words could never fully describe him. He was unique, fiercely loyal, hilarious, witty, and the kind of man whose presence made people feel safe, loved, and taken care of. Without even realizing it, Jerry became the rock for so many around him. He was the person everyone leaned on and everyone considered their best friend.

As the youngest of six children, Jerry grew up surrounded by family. For many of his younger years, his mother and siblings shared a home with his Aunt Sandy and her four children. Together, they raised their families side by side, creating a home full of love, resilience, and unforgettable memories. Jerry carried those lessons of togetherness and loyalty with him throughout his life.

Thirty three years ago, Jerry met the love of his life, Pearl, through his sister in law, whom he had attended school with in Michigan. From that moment forward, Pearl became the center of his world. Their relationship was built on dedication, humor, and unwavering love. Jerry may not have claimed to be perfect, but there was never any doubt how deeply he loved Pearl and his family.

Jerry played every role his family needed him to play. He was not only a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and great grandfather, but also a father figure to children who were not biologically his. He raised his niece and nephews after the tragic passing of his sister at a young age and gave them the same unconditional love and support he gave everyone else. To his family, he was everything. He was present for every milestone, every gathering, every hard moment, and every celebration.

His favorite tradition was simple, being together. Whether it was summer cookouts, family gatherings, or simply spending time with those he loved, Jerry made every moment count. He was always the chef at the grill and always the one making sure everyone was fed, laughing, and enjoying themselves. He showed his love through actions more than words. One phrase he often said was, “Money makes the world go round, family is everything else.”

Jerry worked as a painter with the local painters union for more than 20 years, dedicating himself to his trade with the same pride and work ethic he brought into every part of life. He was resourceful and talented, known for turning someone else’s junk into treasure and giving discarded things a second chance. A true tinkerer and do it yourself champion, Jerry loved collecting items, fixing things, and finding purpose where others saw none.

Music brought him endless joy. He loved all types of music and could always find a soundtrack for the moment. He was also a die hard Chicago Bears fan who proudly passed that loyalty on to his children and family. Win or lose, he remained devoted to the Bears.

Jerry had a sense of humor that could fill a room. He laughed the hardest when someone accidentally hurt themselves, something his family lovingly remembers with laughter of their own. More than anything, he was committed to having a good time. If Jerry was there, everyone knew it would be memorable.

His simple pleasures included sweets of every kind, especially ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if he could get away with it. He loved helping others, even if he complained about it the entire time, because underneath it all, taking care of people was simply who he was.

Jerry faced difficult challenges throughout his life. As a child, he experienced the heartbreak of losing his home in a fire on Christmas Day. In his younger adult years, he made choices that led him down a difficult path, but he used those experiences as lessons that shaped his growth and transformed his life. After turning things around, he fully embraced what mattered most, loving deeply, living fully, and staying devoted to family.

One of the phrases Jerry often repeated was, “From the moment you are living, you are dying, and that’s an appointment you never miss.” While he understood life’s hardships, he also understood the importance of making the most of the time given.

The greatest lesson Jerry leaves behind is unconditional love. His final message to those he loved would undoubtedly be, “Stick together no matter what. I am beyond proud of all of you, and I love you more than you could ever know.”

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Harleen Pio; his father, Wallace Newnum; his sisters, Cheryl Newnum and Linda; and his brothers, Wally, Steve, and Ronnie Newnum.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pearl Newnum; daughters, Bambi Edick and Amanda Echtinaw; son, Matt Edick; niece, Ashley (Tommy) Bare, whom he raised as his own; nephews, Chuck (Cathy) Russell and Shawn Newnum, whom he also raised; his stepchildren, Leah, Roger, and Randy; grandchildren, Dylan, Blaike, Kyleigh, Jaxson, Alayne, Nick, Jae, Matt Jr., Leah, Audrey, Caleb, Cheryl, Mary, Tommy Jr., Jerry Lee, Zander, and Lucius; and great grandchildren, Emmett, Farley, Ari, Aubi, Leeland, Westyn, Evelyn, Oakley, and Matt III. He is also survived by his sisters, Brenda and Penny, whose addition to the family story brought its own laughter and memories over the years.

Jerry’s legacy will live on in every family gathering, every summer cookout, every Bears game watched too passionately, every song played too loud, and every moment spent together. He made life fuller, warmer, and far more meaningful for everyone fortunate enough to know him.