Gerald Felix Gumbs

A native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jerry left his island home to serve in the U.S. Navy, which he did for 21 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam as a SeaBee. While in the Navy, Jerry made lifelong friends, but the greatest reward of his Service was getting stationed in Hawaii, where he met Barbara, who would become his wife of 58 years. He loved and cherished his “Honey BG”, and together they raised two daughters, who will forever remember standing on his feet as little girls as he taught them to dance.

After retiring from the Navy, Jerry went on to become a Correctional Officer with the California Department of Corrections (CDC), San Quintin. During his 15 years with the CDC, he collected more friends and added to his already rich trove of stories.

His loves were many. He loved music, particularly the calypso music of his youth; dancing; staying informed through reading or watching the news; cars, working on them, driving them, reading about them; but mostly he loved ‘talking story’. Jerry loved to talk to people, and seemed to have a topic to discuss, or a relevant story from his past to share with anyone. He had an easy smile, ready laugh, and a genuine interest in others that shone through.

Jerry is survived by his wife, his daughters Garnet (Derek) and Gia (Jospeh); his grandchildren, Gavin (Ashley), Nicolo (Lexi), Gianni (Elizabeth), Tristan (Ileana), Lucas, and Adeline; great grandchildren August, Auri, with two more on the way; brothers Lawrence (Marianne) and Theodore (Sonja), sister Diana; in-law siblings HK and Geovanna who were like real siblings; as well as a large extended family and countless friends, all of whom he loved deeply. He was preceded in death by his brother Evan (Rita), and parents, John Felix and Juliana.

Jerry was fond of using terms of endearment for the people in his life. Palapala, Rascal, Mo’olani, Ugly, Horrors, Witchy Girl, Lulu, O’ola, Precious, the list goes on. We will miss hearing him call us by these names, hearing his stories, being in his presence. We will miss our Gumbs, Dear Old Dad, Papa, brother, uncle, friend.

The family will announce a Celebration of Life at a later date.