Gerald “Jerry” F. Hampton, age 72, of Gladstone passed away in his home on June 23rd, 2020, surrounded by not only the love of his family but also the love of his extended community.
Jerry was born September 23, 1947 in Laurium, Michigan, the youngest of Joseph and Beryl (Chenhall) Hampton’s 5 children. He dedicated his professional life to elementary education as a teacher, principal, and mentor, believing that improving the lives of the youngest children was vitally important. His contributions to the educational world cannot be measured. In addition to Jerry’s professional contributions, he also found joy in his music – singing with the Ecumenical Choir, with the Remnants locally, and as a quartet with his brothers. Jerry’s greatest joys came from his family, especially the grandchildren of whom he was so proud. He was also a longtime member of the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Sally Hampton of Gladstone, children, Brian (Shannon) Hampton of Perryville, Maryland, Kristen (Adam) Carlson of Jackson, Wisconsin, Jeremy Bolek of Escanaba and Jen Bolek of Clinton Township; grandchildren, Nicole and Ezra Carlson, Braedon and Brenden Hampton, and Aidan and Bella Bolek; brothers, Tom (Pat) Hampton of Lansing, Michigan and Terry (Sue) Hampton of Gladstone, numerous nieces and nephews and his “Little Brother” whom he met through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, Austen Mulder of Escanaba.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Kay (Janeway) Hampton, parents, brother Peter Hampton, and sister Shirley Seppi.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 27 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Due to COVID restrictions, private family memorial services will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Cathy Rafferty officiating.
Everyone attending is asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Delta County or Memorial United Methodist Church in Jerry’s honor would be appreciated.
The family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.
Karin Beveridge - Escanaba, MI
It was a pleasure to know Jerry. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word. He will be truly missed Karin and Michael Beveridge
Janet Lindstrom - Escanaba, M
Jerry was a wonderful man. He was a person who gave of himself unselfishly. I have always respected him and valued his guidance when I was teaching. I know that when he walked into heaven God said “Well done good and faithful servant”. My prayers are with you Sally and all of the family. I know there is a big emptiness in your hearts. His spirit will live on in all of you. He will be greatly missed but we were all so blessed to know him. Janet Lindstrom
Matt Norby - Milwaukee, WI
Mr. Hampton was an amazing man. He was my Principal at Washington Elementary. Not only did he teach me the value of speaking with distinction and choosing the correct words but most importantly he taught me the love of ties. I recall going to Florida and picking up ties for him at a Flea Market. I was so proud to give him something to add to his collection. Mr. Hampton always has a smile and made time to catch up when we ran into each other. The world is a bit dimmer without him. He will be missed. My thoughts and condolences to his family.
Sue Ellison - Gladstone, MI
We send our condolences. Jerry was an awesome principal at Flat Rock Elementary school and always advocated for the kids, families and staff.
Rod and Sue Ellison
Terry & Sandy Calvi - Kingsford, Mi
We will remember Jerry for all the memories and good times , condolences to all his family .
Beth Cavadeas - Gladstone, MI
Love and prayers to Sally and families. Was so sorry to hear this sad news. Jerry was so very kind and genuine in every way. We were all blessed to have known him
Flo Anderson - Dafter, MI
Jerry was a very kind and generous man. He was my 6th grade teacher and principal at Rapid River School. He was a role model for me. I used what I learned from him in my 32 year teaching career. Rest In Peace…
Charlotte Greenlund - Rapid River, MI
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. I remember him for his outstanding leadership in Rapid River and I’m grateful for the respect he brought to the teaching profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry’s family. Charlotte (LaVigne) and Jeff Greenlund
Tanya Ettenhofer - Wells, 23: Michigan
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area (Delta County) has been blessed to have Jerry as a wonderful mentor and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Cathy Knight - Escanaba, MI
Jerry Hampton and the Hampton family have always supported technical education for area students. At the yearly I.S.D. awards programs in Delta and Schoolcraft counties, he and his brother, Terry, attended every program throughout the years to personally present the Joseph Hampton Achievement Award and scholarship to the top technical education students. Their presence was inspiring to all those who attended. Jerry always had a smile and will surely be missed.
Roseann Poetz - Salem ,, SC
It was a very sad heart that we learned of the death of Jerry…our dear friend Sally’s sweet husband. We immediately realized what a great loss this will be to not only his family but also the community he loved so much. WE are glad the suffering is over for him and know he is safely with his Lord in heaven….but will leave behind so many broken hearts. He had a great smile and warm heart. He will be so missed.
Love to you Sally and family.
Rox and Greg
Nancy L. Smith - Gladstone, MI
Jerry was my principal for several years. He did a very good job in every aspect , but where he really shined was the love and caring that he had for every student. He always put them first. I loved working for him!
John M. Blom - Ringwood, Oklahoma, OK
Jerry and I attended the same high school and later we were roommates at Northern Michigan University. He was a kind and gentle soul. Though we lost contact for many years, the comments stated by his friends and former students reflect he was a man loved by many and I wish we had kept in touch. But in the last days of his life, we connected by telephone on two occasions and found out so much about our lives with similar loves of family, travel and education. I extend my sympathy to Sally and to all his family members. Rest in peace, my friend.
Dan Young - Escanaba, MI
Jerry Hampton was one of the finest and wisest men I have known in my 29 years in Escanaba. He served as a Board member and Staff-Parish Committee member at Central Methodist Church during my tenure there and was always a source of wisdom and steady vision upon whom I could rely for guidance. He gave of his time and ample talents without any eye toward personal recognition or reward. His was a calm voice of reason, always seeking the best solution to a problem for the majority of the people, whether it was hiring a new childcare giver or shepherding the pastor and people through conflict and change. His leadership in the area as an Elementary teacher and Principal and later, with the Big Brothers-Big Sisters program are legacies which now outlive him, continuing-on in those he nurtured and shaped. Having just returned to Escanaba from several months in North Carolina, confining myself due to traveling during the COVID-19 epidemic, I was unable to extend my condolences to Sally and the family in person on Saturday, the 27th. Please know that I hold you all in my thoughts and share your loss. Dan Young.
Jeffrey Bray - Henderson , Nv
Jerry was well thought of by all family members. We will all miss all very much. Love you Jerry.
Susan Glidden - Battle Creek, MI
Jerry was my principal when I taught at Rapid River Elementary. I have had many principals during my 30 years as a teacher, but Jerry was the kindest and best. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Michael Zagar - Hayden , ID
My condolences to Gerry’s family as we share sadness over his passing.
I can remember games of cards played during winter evenings at the Hampton’s home, football games played on the school lawn, band trips to wherever and throughout those events experiencing Gerry’s presence as a quiet force of kindness and reason.
While we had little contact after high school and as our class went our separate ways, you knew he would carry those traits with him, it’s who he was.