Jerry Huggins, 83, of Bradley, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023, at his home. Born December 23, 1939, in DuQuoin, he was the son of Endzley and Elsie (Marlow) Huggins. Jerry married Thais Swain on August 20, 1960, in Bradley. She preceded him in death on December 13, 2019.
Jerry was a meat operator and pest control technician at General Foods, retiring in September 1993, after 35 years of service. He enjoyed gambling at Friday night poker, casinos on Tuesday, and taking his grandchildren on their first visit for their 21st birthday. Jerry was a life-long avid Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed fishing with his son, as part of the Kankakee Valley Bass Anglers Club, and teaching the neighborhood kids to ride bikes and play basketball. He loved doing jigsaw puzzles, word searches, watching action movies, gardening, and coffee visits with friends.
Surviving are son Eric (Jennifer) Huggins of Bourbonnais; daughter, Tara Johnston of Bradley; grandchildren, Jayne (Damien) Maldanado of Bradley, Jedahdiah Johnston of Rockford, Kyrianna Johnston and Matt Thomas of Bradley; great-granddaughter, Emily Maldanado of Bradley; sister, Lou Pierce of Woodstock; and beloved niece, LaDonna (Kenny) Pelletier. In addition to his wife, Thais Huggins, Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Larry Huggins, plus siblings, Imo, Edwin, Eugene, Evelyn, Irene, Marie; and son-in-law, Daniel Johnston.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held from 4 until the 6 p.m. memorial service on Thursday, April 13, at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Uplifted Care.
The family requests everyone wear Chicago Cubs gear or colors to celebrate Jerry and the start of the season. Please sign his guestbook at www.clancygernon.com.