Jerome Miles

Jerome "Jerry" Miles, age 93, of Hastings, was called home by our Lord on February 28, 2021.

Jerome was born on February 15, 1928 in Kalamazoo to Jacob and Ethel (Born) Miles. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1946. Jerome served in the Navy during WWII. Jerome married Clarice (Pease) on July 1, 1949 at the Cloverdale Church. They started their family in Kalamazoo and later moved to Hastings where they raised their 5 children.

Jerome is survived by his loving wife of 71 years and his children Terry (June) Miles, Susan (Daniel) Carlson, Jon Miles, Nancy (Andrew) Pelli, 10 grandchildren, 16 greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Jerome was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Eunice (Miles) Goretzka, son Thomas, daughter Carolyn (Miles) Chaffee, 1 grandchild and 1 great grandchild.

Over the years Jerome worked for Brown Co. in Kalamazoo, EW Bliss, Barry Co. Transit, security guard for Bliss, Bradford Whites, Viking and with his son Jon at Barry Co. Pallet after this he quit working at the age of 70. He loved to play baseball, bowling, golfing and enjoyed rooting for the Tigers, taking his family camping across the country and Canada.

Jerome was known as the Barry County fudge man. He would give away fudge to the cashiers at our grocery stores, garbage men, mail men, etc. He sold his fudge to send money to many church organizations and charities. Jerome was always there to help anyone in need as he would open his home to many family members and friends of the family. He was a member of Welcome Corners United Methodist Church, where he was a handyman, children's minister, lay speaker and would also help with the smorgasbord dinners. Jerome was once featured in the Hastings Reminder for his spinner ornaments that he handmade and hung on trees for many years at the local nursing homes to help the elderly celebrate the holidays. He enjoyed feeding and watching the birds. He made bird feeders to give to his family and friends. He also enjoyed collecting coins. Jerome loved cooking and hosting large holiday gatherings at his home with his family. He would bargain shop all year for gifts and while playing Santa along with "Christmas Bingo" he would give Christmas gifts to everyone which would turn to wrapping paper wars between his children and grandchildren. He loved building and remodeling anything that he could. Jerome took pride in his self-made rock walls around his property.

Jerome will be missed by many family and friends. A graveside service for friends and family will be held Friday, March 5, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Rutland Township Cemetery, 4600 Upton Road; Hastings, MI 49058.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .