Jerry Wayne Ham

Jerry Wayne Ham was born on October 25, 1957, in Nashville TN to Murlene Toombs Ham and the late Stanley Wayne Ham. He departed this life suddenly on May 1, 2025. Jerry was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and Poppy. He was also a friend to countless people who crossed his path. Jerry is survived by his mother Murlene, brothers Jeff and Stanley (Susan), wife Deborah, sons Jason (Sara) and Brian (Alexandra), grandson James, and granddaughter Kaia.

From the time he was a young boy, Jerry was a talented athlete who loved playing baseball and football. After graduating from Hillwood High School and attending Cumberland University, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1976-1982 aboard the USS Midway. Following his active duty, he lived and worked briefly in Northern Kentucky where he met his wife, Deborah in 1979. Jerry always said he knew the moment he met Deb that he wanted to marry her. After dating for only 10 months, Jerry and Deb married in 1979. He loved her deeply and considered his marriage to Deb to be one of his greatest accomplishments. They would often sit on the back deck of their home reflecting on their days together, sharing laughs, and creating memorable moments with family and friends.

Jerry and Deb stayed connected with their northern Kentucky family throughout the years with regular Ca-Ham gatherings. Jerry would frequent the Interstate 65 corridor to maintain those Cahill family connections, especially in the early days driving his 1978 Formula Firebird.

Jerry and Deb returned to his Nashville roots and raised two sons, Jason and Brian. Over the years, Jerry stayed very active within the community and built strong friendships. As a coach to dozens of young athletes, he shared his knowledge and love for the game of baseball with Nashville’s youth and his sons. Jerry also instilled a strong work ethic in Jason and Brian, teaching them at an early age to help on side jobs during nights and weekends, emphasizing the importance of high-quality work and earning a fair wage.

Jerry started his electrical career as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 429 union and earned his Journeyman Wireman status before advancing in his field and then joining Metro Codes Department as an electrical inspector. He retired after 31 years and received a service award from the Mayor of Nashville for his dedication to the people of our city. Jerry was a close friend to many contractors, fellow codes inspectors, and the administrative team within the department.

Jerry loved sports in every flavor, and if he wasn’t on the field supporting youth sports, he was watching the game of the day and checking in with all his friends with common favorite teams as well as rivals to cheer along with his extensive network of sports fans. He loved fishing and taught his sons at an early age the value of a weekend camping trip with lots of time spent on the water.

Jerry was the greatest Poppy to his grandson, James and granddaughter, Kaia. Jerry was James’ biggest supporter as he excelled at baseball and football, attending every game to cheer him on. He also loved singing his granddaughter Kaia to sleep and was so excited watching her grow.

Jerry will forever be remembered as someone who loved to laugh and never met a stranger. No matter where he went, he was connected to people through all the relationships he built over the years. Everyone in the neighborhood knew Jerry and he’d strike up a conversation as he crossed paths with his community of friends on morning and afternoon strolls through Cloverland Acres.

Jerry was always the life of the party - with a contagious smile and a goal to make everyone laugh, he held his family close and his network of friends grew stronger with every new person he met. He left countless memories and hilarious stories with friends and family to cherish and his legacy lives on through those he loved.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at 400 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027. The location is directly across from the intersection of Granny White Pike and Johnson Chapel Road East. The event is planned for casual attire and the family would love for you to come share your favorite memory of Jerry.