‘A great family man who had a smile for everyone’
IT WAS a great shock and devastating loss to his family and friends when Gerry (Gerard) Jameson of Abbeydorney and formerly of St Ciaráns Park, Roscommom passed away suddenly but peacefully on May 8 at the age of 64 years.
Gerry was born on July 15, 1949, to Michael (Mick) and Linda (née Drury). He was the fifth of nine children. Gerry had a wonderful childhood growing up in Roscommon and in later years he would entertain many by recounting the adventures of his youth.
He relished the long days helping his father and uncles in their cattle dealing business; travelling to marts up and down the country; witnessing the transaction between buyer and seller; and observing his elders socialising with their peers.
Suffice to say it was in this environment that his three great interests were born: travelling, selling, socialising.
He developed a love for Kerry when he made regular trips to marts here and in 1969, during one of his visits, he met and fell in love with local Tralee woman Rose Hennebery.
Gerry and Rose moved to London later that year, where they ran a successful pub and restaurant in Piccadilly, ‘ Snows Chop House'. In 1971, they made a trip home to get married in St John's Church, Tralee and then in1972 they returned to Tralee and later that year their first child, Mark, was born.
From that day forward it was clear what a devoted father and family man Gerry was. In time, Mark was joined by four sisters and a brother - Michelle, Deirdre, Barry, Noelle and Amanda.
Gerry accomplished many things throughout the course of his life, but to him his family was his greatest achievement of all.
Gerry worked in various occupations throughout his life, all of which included either travelling, selling or socialising. A combination of all three was preferential. Some of his employers included The Brandon Hotel, Tralee and Galvins of Listowel. In 1983, Gerry and Rose moved with their family to Roscommon and ran ‘ The Forge' pub in Church St, Roscommon and ' The Hilltop' Bar in Kilglass, Co.Roscommon.
In 1987, they returned to Abbeydorney and shortly after this Gerry had his first heart attack and in 1988 had triple bypass surgery. In the years that followed Gerry had further heart surgeries.
While these procedures sought to slow him down, they failed miserably, and he continued to live his life the way he saw fit. From then until his sudden departure, Gerry continued to enjoy those occupations he was best at; travelling throughout the country, interacting with its people and nurturing his steadfast love for the bucolic life.
Anybody who knew Gerry was aware of his adventurous spirit, zest for life and constant good humour.
He had a way with words, was very quickwitted and knew instinctively how to put a person at ease. Gerry was a pleasure to be around and always had a kind word and joke for those he met.
He loved nothing more than a good day out at a race-meeting, basking in the good company of his many true friends. If it was a lucky day and he had a few winners he would be the first person to share the fruits of his good fortune.
There wasn't a part of Ireland Gerry wasn't familiar with and he had a friend in every parish, but his journeys and friendships weren’t confined to this country alone. He loved to travel and made friends everywhere. In more recent years he enjoyed great holidays with his family in California, New York, Boston, Canada, Spain, Italy and France among other places.
Only last April, he enjoyed his final trip abroad; to New York with Rose where they visited their son Mark.
Though Gerry was to live in Kerry for most of his adult life, he always remained a proud Roscommon man. On the rare occasion when both teams would meet on a football or hurling pitch it was apparent where his loyalties lay.
He was very close to his six brothers and two sisters and was at the heart of every Jameson family occasion; entertaining the room with his roguish good humour, witty words and rousing sense of revelry.
He could relate to young and old alike, party with the best of them and when Gerry shone the light of his attention on you, it was difficult not to come away feeling better for knowing him.
In 2007, Gerry was ecstatic to become a grandfather and he adored his seven grandchildren.
They too adored their grandad, who showered them with love and affection. Gerry loved nothing more than spending time with his four grandsons and three granddaughters as they appealed to his adventurous, kindly spirit. In recent years he and Rose enjoyed numerous holidays, days out, picnics and even a glamping trip in the company of their grandchildren.
They were his greatest joy, and the wonderful memories he created will remain with them forever.
Gerry is survived by his wife Rose, sons Mark and Barry, daughters Michelle, Deirdre, Noelle and Amanda, seven grandchildren, son-in laws, daughter-in-law, sisters, brothers, relatives and many friends.
His family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors and paramedics who cared for Gerry in his final moments and also to his close friends who were by his side. Gerry lay in repose at his residence until Funeral mass in St. Bernard's Church Abbeydorney on Sunday, May 11.
He was laid to rest in Kylie Eleison Abbey. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Gerry's Month's Mind mass will be held at St. Bernard's Church Abbeydorney on Saturday June 7 at 4pm.