Jerry Jerome Richards Jr. passed away on June 11, 2022, in Ann Arbor, MI. Jerry Jerome Richards Jr. was born on August 28th, 1969, to Jerry Jerome Richards Sr. and Christine (Blythe) Richards in Battle Creek MI. He graduated from Springfield High School in Battle Creek MI in 1987. He participated in Football, Basketball, Track, Tennis, was on the honor roll and he attended Boys State. He enlisted in the U S Army in 1988. Jerry served 21 years in the army. While serving in the army, he received a Purple Heart, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two times), the Army Commendation Medal (four awards), the Army Achievement Medal (six awards), the Army Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), the National Defense Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with two awards). He served in Iraq, where he received the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, also served in Afghanistan where he received Campaign Stars for the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He received the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (5th award) the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Aircraft Crewman Badge, the Basic Aviation Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. Upon retiring from the U.S. Army, he began working for the Department of Homeland Security. Jerry graduated from the University of Michigan with his bachelor’s degree and was close to finishing his master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He was a diehard Michigan Wolverines fan and a fan of the Detroit professional sports teams.

Jerry is survived by his mother Christine, his sister Faith Mindingall, his wife Susie (Monstrola) Richards and his children Jalen and Alexis by former wife, Jodie Gardner, and Darien, Daisy, Julien, and Kevin by current wife Susie. Also left to cherish his memory are numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews along with a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters Sheila Walls, Rosetta Smithson, Elonda Richards and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral service will be held at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service in Battle Creek on June 24, 2022, with family hour from Noon to 1pm and service at 1pm. Masks are required. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

If so desired, please honor Jerry by wearing University of Michigan gear!

Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com