Jerome Leroy Michael III

Jerome (Jerry) Leroy Michael, III, 72, of La Plata, Maryland, passed away suddenly while participating in a baseball tournament in West Palm Beach, Florida, on November 14, 2024. Born August 10, 1952, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Jerome (Mike) L Michael, Jr. and the late Mary Catherine (Kitty) Cooksey Michael. Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife, Judith (Judy) Hayden Michael. They met as teenagers and were blessed with a deep love that endured over 50 years of marriage. Jerry is survived by sisters Kay St. Clair (Glenn), Trudy Williams (Dave), Terri Baker (Ralph), and Sandy Kalmus; sons, Raymond Michael (Holly), Aaron Michael (Amanda), and Daniel Michael (Sarah); adoring grandchildren, Brett, Nate, Cole, and Evie (Ray and Holly), Austin and Brayden (Aaron and Amanda), and Jack and Grace (Daniel and Sarah); as well as many nieces and nephews, and friends that he treated as family. He is preceded in death by parents, Jerome L Michael, Jr., and Mary Catherine Michael, and sister Jana Michael. Jerry was a 1970 graduate of La Plata High School and later earned a degree through the Pollution Abatement Technology program at Charles County Community College. He began his employment with Charles County Government in 1977 and was employed for 30 years, retiring in August 2007 as the Director of Utilities. Not able to sit still, he returned to the work force and went on to work for Jackson and Tull for 11 years. In 2018, he began the last part of his working life with Water Services, Inc., which he retired from in October 2024. He is a lifetime member of the Water and Waste Operators Association of Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Jerry had many fond memories of growing up in Charles County. In his younger years, the Michael home on Hawkins Gate Road always was filled with family, fun, and laughter. The only and oldest brother to five sisters, he was a calming force in his childhood home. Time spent on the farm was the norm and lending a helping hand to his grandfather, “Pop-Pop”, was always his preferred activity. At a young age he became adept at helping with the tobacco and anything else needed at the farm. Other than his wife and family, Jerry’s passion was baseball. As a lifetime in the game of baseball and coaching will do, there were numerous teams, teammates, and players that touched his life. He cherished them all. Being on the ballfield and sharing the game he loved with so many brought him joy. He loved getting to know everyone and the unique talents and personalities each brought to a team. He was truly at peace on the ballfield, and it is only fitting that his last moments were spent in his cleats. Jerry’s interests centered around family, faith, and the outdoors. He and Judy enjoyed traveling together near and far. Their recent visit out west, which included a visit to the Grand Canyon, was a bucket list item for Jerry. Gatherings to celebrate holidays, grandkids’ school functions, sporting events, church, and the sports schedules of grandkids dominated his and Judy’s life. When asked about his plans for the day, his common response was “running to the next game”. He had an easy smile and a warm disposition that was always welcome at friends’ and family’s homes or events. He was so proud of his family and spoke frequently about them. He was genuinely interested in hearing all the details of their activities and sharing in their successes. A lifelong Catholic and faith-filled man. Jerry was an active and contributing parishioner at St. Ignatius Church in Port Tobacco and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. ********* In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charles St. Mary’s Baseball League (CHASM Baseball - 28195 Ben Oaks Drive Mechanicsville, MD 20659) or St. Ignatius Chapel Point Church (St. Thomas Manor Trust Inc. – Memo = Restoration – 8855 Chapel Point Road Port Tobacco, MD 20677). Services will be held as follows: A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Monday, November 25th, 2024 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm (prayers at 6:30 pm) at St. Ignatius Church - 8855 Chapel Point Road Port Tobacco, MD 20677 - and Funeral Service on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Ignatius Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. All are welcome to join the family for a repast to follow in the church hall.

Jerome Leroy Michael III

August 10, 1952 - November 14, 2024