This is the saddest notice I have ever had to pass along to my friends
in comic book fandom.
I just received a call from Jerry's wife Jean of the news that Jerry
Bails, The Father of Comic Book Fandom, died in his sleep today of an
apparant heart attack. He was 73.
Jerry had been suffering a serious heart condition for the past several
years. In recent months the physical discomfort he had experienced had
kept him mostly homebound, but his mind remained as sharp as ever,
thanks to the contact he was able to continue with friends and family
through the internet.
At this time, details of any services or funerals are not yet known.
According to Jean, Jerry's wishes were for something simple and the
family are in the process of working on that.
Jerry was a lot of things to a lot of people. For me, he was a mentor,
a teacher, a guide--whose wisdom and kindness helped make the world an
even better place for many. But most im****tant, I am and will always be
deeply proud that I consider Jerry to be my friend. I am a little less
not to have his wisdom gracing my ears any longer and I am much MORE
knowing that I did have time on this earth in having that same wisdom
touch my heart.
My deepest love goes out to Jean, Kirk, and all other family members
and loved ones of Jerry.
-Ray Bottorff Jr
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