Jerry Fred Brooksher

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Jerry F. Brooksher, son of Fred Belvin and Maysie Louise (Howerton) Brooksher, was born June 15,1946, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and passed away April 26, 2024, surrounded by the love of his wife Kathlyn and his family at home in San Diego, California.

Jerry will be remembered for his generous and kind heart, his classic and quick wit, his sense of fun and adventure and his deep and abiding love and commitment to his family, friends and his Country.

Jerry earned his Master’s Degree in English Literature and Art. In his distinguished academic career at San Diego State University, he received only one B: It was in Golf. 

Jerry served with distinction as a civilian employee with the US Navy for 25 years. He began his career as a clerk at the Naval Electronic Laboratory Center but was rapidly promoted and advanced to Technical Director of the Navy's Operational Test and Evaluation Force, Pacific, based in San Diego. In 1993, Jerry was transferred to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Hawaii Detachment, where he served as Chief Test & Evaluation Advisor. By this time, Jerry was recognized as an expert in the planning and operational testing of some of the Navy’s newest combat and weapon systems. In a glowing retirement letter, a Naval Commanding Officer, Captain Dennis Gibbs, commented that Jerry could “justifiably take pride” in his “record of accomplishment” in his well-earned retirement.”

After “failing retirement,” Jerry continued for 25 more years as an engineer, working with SAIC and other private companies while building lifelong friendships. His experience in the information technology and services industry covered test and evaluation of the full spectrum of C4I systems, as well as combat, sensor, and weapon systems delivering a variety of payloads. He continued his career, in his words, “to help ensure and promote the success and safety of our young men and women in uniform.” 

Jerry, at 10 years of age, was predeceased by his father, Fred. In 1991 he was predeceased by his first wife, Maryl Sawchick Brooksher, and later by Maysie, his beloved mother.

In 1996, he met his future wife, Kathlyn McDougal Erickson. They married in 1999 and for 25 years, they lived a full, happy and loving life. Kathlyn has said, “Being married to Jerry is like having a date every night.”

Jerry generously spread peanuts and seed every morning and evening on their lawn overlooking Lake Murray, and when he passed, his faithful Cocker Spaniel, Sugar Magnolia, and all the birds, bunnies, and squirrels were surely there greeting him.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathlyn; his sister, Barbara Elder; Kathlyn’s sister and their constant companion, Lila McDougal; nephew and nieces, Joel Elder, Jennifer Elder, Alyssa and Megan Elder; Kathlyn’s children, Randy Erickson (Claudia), Regan Erickson, and Holly Erickson Huebner (Seth); Jerry was Grampy to Lauren (Kai) Jundt, Carli Erickson, Bryce Erickson, Leif Erickson, Ariana Erickson, Katy Gross, and Jackson Huebner. Survivors also include extended relatives and many friends, all for whom he cared greatly. He was much loved and all feel blessed to have known him.

At the scenic home of Mark and Mari Lee Green, Clay Center, Kansas, a beautiful Remembrance service was held June 2, 2024. This was the very location where Jerry and Kathlyn married on Memorial Day Weekend just 25 years before. 

A Celebration of his Life will be held at 1 p.m., July 20, 2024, in San Diego, California, at the Hall of the Elks Lodge 168, 7430 Jackson Dr., San Diego, CA 92119-2319. Please join us. We’re planning on a lot of food prepared by our friends at Little Roma. If you’re able to attend, please text Lila at 619 861 8633 or email lilamcd@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Jerry F. Brooksher to the annual Brooksher Memorial Scholarship  at San Diego State University benefiting students continuing their post graduate degrees.    https://tinyurl.com/zv4pad2s                         

 Or to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in memory of Jerry F. Brooksher, online at sdzwa.org/memorial, or mailed to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112, to support the renovation of the Polar Bear Exhibit.