Fields, Jerry (Jesse) James passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on November 14, 2019, at the age of 76 years old. Born April 22, 1943 to James E. Fields and Dorothy Jewel (Bates) Fields in Doniphan, MO. He was lovingly raised by his mother and, from the age of two years old, his step-father, Joseph DeMariano. He resided in Florissant, MO and later in Troy, MO.

Beloved husband for 57 years of Susan (Cotner) Fields; devoted father of four children: Richard (Holly) Fields, Michael Fields, Jennifer (Fields) Jacob, Diana (Fields) Luker; adored grandfather of eleven and treasured great-grandfather of three; cherished brother of three siblings: Yvonne (DeMariano) Peterson, Joseph DeMariano, Beatrice (DeMariano) Asfeld; bonus father of Thomas (Diane) Wilson, and bonus grandfather of their three children.

Jerry had several life-passions. His family always took priority. He loved visits from his children, grand and great grandchildren. Every one of them was greeted with a loving smile and kiss. His career choice was primarily to gain the opportunity to be able to stay in touch with his parents, siblings and extended family who lived out of state.

Jerry’s 40-year career working in the airline industry, initially with Trans World Airlines and later with American Airlines, allowed him to share his time, knowledge and humor selflessly in the service of others. Through encounters and interactions with passengers and coworkers from around the country, he gave generously of himself and always offered a helping hand to anyone in need.

In his quiet time he enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, playing cards and genealogy. He was an avid videographer and collected an impressive amount of movies and videos. Jerry’s love of family and passion for videoing has given his family a lifetime of precious treasured memories. Of course, his video collection included a substantial amount of John Wayne movies. He admired to man, the legend, and what he stood for: strength, courage and love of country. Jerry emulated several of John Wayne’s famous lines: “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do; A man ought to do what he thinks is right; True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done; I suppose my best attribute is sincerity. I can sell sincerity because that’s the way I am.” All of these and more were Jerry. He was a genuine, honest, sincere person who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held December 7, 2019, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, at Peine Ridge Church, 2501 W. Meyer Road, Foristell, MO 63348.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerry’s name to the St. Louis Chapter of APDA (America Parkinson’s Disease Association) or the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri (ALZ.ORG).