Family Devastated by Heartbreaking Tragedy

Our family was devastated to learn on January 19, 2024, that our precious beloved father, brother, uncle, and cousin was murdered in his apartment. Jerry was 85 years old and in a wheelchair. His wife Jann, 75 years old, was severely beaten and is in critical condition in San Antonio, Texas.

She suffers from over 45 various rib fractures, and swelling on her brain and is on a ventilator. Her doctors are optimistic about her recovery but much is still unknown, and she has a long road ahead of her. No person should ever have to experience this type of trauma or devastating event in their life, especially to live to be 85 years old and meet your demise in such a brutal and senseless manner. We are devastated and our hearts are completely broken by this traumatic loss and injury.

Jerry was raised in Texas and moved to Alaska in the 1970s where he met Jann. He worked in maintenance at the Anchorage International Airport before retiring and returning to his home state of Texas. He loved fishing, camping, and panning for gold. His weekends were spent with family outings with over 32 relatives living in Alaska who moved from Texas and Arkansas. Our family loved our weekend adventures in Alaska together. Jerry was a good man and a unique human being and needs to be remembered and honored for there is much pain left by his absence.

Our various family members are scattered in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Oregon, and Mississippi. The closest family member is an hour-half drive, one-way to San Antonio, and only one family member in the San Antonio area which creates a considerable burden in taking care of all the needs.

We are raising money for our precious, sweet Jann who has been severely traumatized by the unthinkable events that have occurred. Jann will need extensive rehabilitation before she will be able to travel back to Alaska where her family members can take care of her. They had just moved into their apartment in December 2023 and signed a lease through November 2024.

There are expenses for remediation of the apartment, ongoing rent, and utilities until the apartment can be packed up. The penalty for breaking the lease could cost up to two-month’s rent. There is the expense of shipping Jann’s items back to Alaska; the costs of airfare to Alaska to bring Jann home, the expense of a chaperone to travel with her, and rehabilitation expenses. The expense of family members traveling and staying in San Antonio to pack household belongings and to take care of all the business and legal matters. The family also needs to hire a Probate lawyer and then there are the funeral expenses.

Family members who live close enough to drive are retired and are traveling every other day to see Jann in the ICU which is expensive. Help with hotel rooms for the 3-hour round trip drive would be extremely helpful as well as rooms so other family members traveling from other states have a place to stay. Our cousins, who drive long distances to see Jann every other day, are so important to her recovery, as they are our lifeline to keeping us abreast of Jann’s progress and setbacks.

The family would greatly appreciate any donations no matter how small to help us navigate this very difficult and traumatic event. Donations such as gas cards, airline miles, hotel points, and any other sources of help to offset the expenses are greatly appreciated.

Our hearts are shattered, and the shock and pain are indescribable.

Thank you in advance, for your love and concern is so greatly appreciated.