On April 15, 2016 Jerry surrendered to the effects of a traumatic brain injury and CTE. The world lost an amazing husband, father, friend, horseman, farrier, mentor, rodeo coach, role model and an all-around amazing man. Jerry was born on June 21, 1963 and raised in Draper, Utah. He was fiercely loyal to his father Henry Ju (deceased) and his eldest sister Coleen Glathar. Instead of a traditional family, Jerry was raised by the good people of Draper. Many knew him as the Little Ju Boy and later as the Wild Child of Draper. There were two families he considered as home. The homes of Linda and Leland Richins and Sharon and Jay Giles both provided a loving environment for him to feel safe, cared for and trusted. He loved and respected these families and considered the children within them as his bonus siblings. Jerry was especially good at establishing lifelong friendships. His “brothers”, Ryan Ju (cousin), Steve Sylvester, Bradford Young, Mark Richins, Shane Giles, Eric Wash, Chico Guzman, and Mack Fitzgerald created memories not only for themselves but for Jerry’s sons as well. He loved these men so very much and treasured all of the adventures they had together.
Jerry loved all things western. His passion for horses and rodeo is legendary. He had a way with horses like no one else on Earth. He could turn a bad situation around in a heartbeat. His dream of competing in professional rodeo was cut short due to injuries, but he never stopped loving the lifestyle. Jerry became a professional farrier and was well known for the quality of work he performed. In 1989, he went on a blind date that changed his life forever. After a whirlwind courtship he marred the love of his life. Rockzann and Jerry were married on January 27, 1990. Together they created the family Jerry had always dreamed of, and they added 3 sons to the mix. Stetzon, Lexington, and his surprise/bonus boy, Thaison. These boys were the apple of his eye and he would tell anyone who would listen how amazing they were. He was an incredibly proud father.
Jerry was dedicated to youth and helping young people achieve their goals. If you ever played Bingham baseball, football, lacrosse or rodeoed, he was the one cheering the loudest. He loved every kid who came through his front door. He remembered what if felt like to not fit in and treated each kid like a member of his family. Jerry was known to have just what you needed whether it was equipment needing repair or a part for that 1960 trailer you just bought, he’d come through for you. Jerry was thrifty, creative, opinionated, loud, and incredibly loved. Rest in peace cowboy, you’ve earned it.
Jerry is survived by his wife Rockzann, their sons Stetzon, Lex, and Thaison. His sister Coleen and her children Jake (Teal) Larsen, Kenze, and Lenze Glathar. His in-laws: Rocke and Vaunette Hoskins, brother-in-law Rodd Hoskins and sister-in-law Heidi Hoskins. His nieces and nephews. His beloved Aunt Betty Cone and his uncles: Chaun, David, and Leonard as well as his numerous Ju cousins and many, many treasured friends. He is preceded in death by his father Henry and good friend Jeff Wagner. A viewing for family and friends will be held of Friday, April 22, 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, at the Murray Memorial Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East, Murray, Utah 84121. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the same location. In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted to help the family with medical and funeral expenses as well as establishing a college fund for Thaison. Donations can be made via www.gofundme.com/bwzmbvas or at any Granit Credit Union location under Jerry’s name. We are also building a scrapbook for Thaison and ask that you share a special memorial or story with him. You may email those to Rockzann38@gmail.com or come prepared to write it down at the mortuary.
The family wishes to thank our amazing friend Andy Peglau for his hospitality during the worst day of our lives. We would also like to thank Adam Torgerson for going above and beyond what a friend should have to do. Finally, we would like to thank the South Jordan Police and Fire Departments for their compassion and professionalism during this difficult time.Service Information
Viewing April 22, 2016 at 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Murray Memorial Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East, Murray, Utah 84121
Viewing April 23, 2016 at 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Murray Memorial Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East, Murray, Utah 84121
Funeral Service
April 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM
Murray Memorial Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East, Murray, Utah 84121