"MOORE" MEMORIES

GERALD K. "JERRY" MOORE
"MOORE" MEMORIES

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"THE" JERRY MOORE

Kenneth Watkins from Illinois

"MY NAME Is Kenneth Watkins from Illinois and I have officiated numerous national events with Jerry since 2003 which is the first year we met at 2003 Senior Nationals in Cleveland (photos to the right.) Jerry and I worked the mat together that year which was my first Senior Nationals and was also my roommate (Sandy was also there so you could say we had a 3rd roommate as they spent much time talking about wrestling).

At the time though first meeting and working with him he made feel comfortable and shared a wealth of knowledge with me over those days. The following years of working with him helped me as I had a source of knowledge to tap whenever I needed to and he was a treasure. I can say that my life was truly enriched from knowing him and being a friend.

Now looking back at those days truly brings a smile to my face

as i think back on them. He truly was a gem in all respects. He aways had a great demeanor and was a joy to be with. Often times when we do National events we are thrown together with roommates and you never know what you will get.

I can say that year I won the prize as it was one of the best 3 days I had being able to talk with Jerry and Sandy! He was always willing to help and I can say he has left an imprint on all who know him.

I am not much on pictures but occasionally I keep some. The two I have attached in this are the last year we spent in Cleveland and the first one of the moves before Senior Nationals finally landed in Virginia Beach. Our crews then were smaller and we have watched that event grow since Cleveland. Know that he will be missed and some events will just not be the same as he was a main piece in them!"
~ November 2019 ~

Paul Basinger - Ohio Official - A "Jerryism"

"MEMORIES TO POST. THERE'S SO MUCH. But for sure when a coach would ask him "What changed" his answer was "my mind" which always caused a coach's jaw to drop and give them a dumbfounded look as they returned quietly to their coaching chair. By the way many of us will be using that line." ~ December 2019 ~

Bob Ferguson - High School, Navy and Lifetime Lunch Buddy

"YOUR DAD AND I FIRST MET at Dick's Galley because it was a hangout for Godwin Kids. And of course your dad's mother (Hazel) worked there and I buddied up with your dad so I could get free French Fries, not really, your Grandmother make the best chili in the world at Dick's Galley. Your dad and I had similar likes such as sports and math. He tried to get me into boxing and I didn't like getting hit in the face so I quit, but rooted for him all through his boxing matches.

Of course, you know we joined the Navy together with Jerry Miller and Jim Clawson it was a buddy program and we were sent to the Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois. Your dad was appointed the company bootcamp commander by our Chief Commander.

Then he got Jerry Miller and I appointed to positions in the company which made life a little easier through boot camp. We all graduated from boot camp and kind of went our separate ways.

After serving four years I came home and met up with your dad again and he tried to get me to go to work in the investment business but, I was into electronics and went to work for Lear Siegler Inc. working on airplane guidance systems. Your dad and I kept in touch as often as he cam in town. I will miss not having lunch with him."
~January 2020~

BOOT CAMP GRADUATION

"Let's Share a Meal and Tell Some Lies"
~ Jerryism ~

GKM Loves Bud's

A WAY TO HONOR JERRY is to "Share a Meal and Tell Some Lies," a favorite way for Jerry to share time. Bud's Cafe & Bar in Sedalia, Colorado, was one of Jerry's top places. Jerry would say, "These burgers are so Good, the only thing better are the friends I meet there!" My drive seems like minutes from Evergreen, when I know I'm going to Bud's!"

Peter Braun from Colorado - "Jerryisms"

From Peter Braun's Tribute to Jerry Moore ...."I CAN'T TALK ABOUT JERRY WITHOUT giving some Jerryisms. He had some classic Jerry expressions. So here are my top 10 Jerryisms.

1. There are no problems, only opportunities.

2. Work on your strengths, as well as your weaknesses.

3. He was in the Nickel business. He would pick them up whenever possible, and wouldn't give them away very easily. He earned the nickname the Squeezenator!

4. A conversation is like a ballroom dance, with one person leading and the other following along. Try to lead the dance ...

... 10. Don’t try to teach Pigs to Sing. It only annoys the Pig and wastes your time."

~ November 2019~

"MOORE"

Doug Englert from Colorado

"... AT JERRY'S RECOMMENDATION, we purchased the book, "Make Your Bed" for both of our boys. We felt it would be a great book for their inspiration."

One is a junior at the University of Colorado and will be graduating at the end of his junior year in finance and accounting. He has a job offer and has accepted a position with United Launch Alliance from his internship last summer. They are owned by Boeing Aero Space and do launches for NASA, US Military, and other satellite organizations. We are excited - get him off our payroll!!

Our eldest one is in medical school at the University of Rodchester New York.

Amazing how Mr. Jerry continues to have a profound impact on my life like he did when he was alive. Miss the heck out of him ..."
~ December 2019 ~

hen we were getting the books for the boys, my wife and I talked about how Jerry continues to have a strong influence on me. ... I always really appreciated the way that he challenged me professionally and personally. Many times he asked some d*** tough questions and they were hard to answer! When you have to dig deep and really look at yourself, that can be tough! Sometimes you don't like what you see.

Take care of yourself, have an outstanding day, and talk to again soon. Doug"
~January 2020~

MIKE SMITH AND BROOK KRAMER, MEMORIAL SERVICE COLORADO (2019)

JM JONES

"JERRY GAVE ME MY first opportunity in 1985 to become a stockbroker at PaineWebber. I am deeply indebted to him for the possibilities he gave me. I trained and rode with him in the 1988 Ride the Rockies..along with fellow broker Mike Smith. I left PW IN 1990 and lost touch with him so was sad to learn that he’s on the Eternal Patrol. A great guy he was ..." October 2022

Jon Martinez from Colorado

Deborah Linke from Oregon

I'VE KNOWN JERRY for as long as I've known his daughter Theresa-forty plus years of watching his dedication to his family, colleagues, friends and the wrestling tribe. His energy and enthusiasm were remarkable. His Keen interest in his world and his curiosity were hallmarks. While we will miss his physical presence, his spirit lives on in all of us who knew his "dash." ~ October 2019 ~

CLEVELAND SENIOR NATIONALS 2005

PITTSBURGH SENIOR NATIONALS 2006

Photos from Fell (Richard)

Barbara Brummet - Missouri Official

Barbara Brummet

"I HAD THE DISTINCT HONOR to officiate multiple times over the years with Jerry. When i hear others say that he was the BEST of the BEST…….it’s completely correct.

but even greater than being the best official that I ever had the privilege to work with, he was without question an amazing human being. Kind, funny, strong, determined, dependable and just the coolest dude ever :) we would love getting done with tournaments, heading to grab dinner and a drink with the crew after a long day on the mats. His stories (in that hat) well…….lets just say that we were hanging on every word.

we were working a mat together many years ago and as i was sitting on the side getting ready to work in, it was pure magic watching him. never missed a call and gave 100% to his wrestlers. As I intently watched and soaked up what was in front of me, he clearly and strongly set the wrestlers in the referee’s position in the center of the mat. He backed up once they were set and quickly glanced over with that grin of his, winked while chewing his gum and calmly blew the whistle. i was like a kid soaking up all that i could…….tucking away bits and pieces of his nuances. what i learned most was that we could still do this, do it well……..and have fun.

he is sorely missed by all of us. my prayers have been with his family as they navigate their loss. i thank all of you for sharing him with us. Our sport is better for having him in it

Barbara Brummet
Saint Louis, Missouri"
~ December 2019~

Wrestling Hall of Fame Banquets

Jerry's 5-minute Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award acceptance speech. (2013)

HAVING FUN. WHO ARE THESE GUYS? Photo from Jerry

Richard Oates from Tennessee

WHEN JERRY REALIZED that his days were few, he told me that I would speak at this service. Yes, he told me, he didn’t ask. He first said I had 10 minutes, then he said , “No,” 5 minutes ... One of my favorite and funniest memories of my travels with Jerry ... ~ November 2019~

"MOORE"

RICHARD OATES AND JERRY AT HIS NWHOF INDUCTION. (2013)

Eileen and Bob Price from Colorado

"JERRY IS ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE PEOPLE we have ever known. We still smile about the time we met in Moab for a 3-day mountain bike ride Jerry organized on the White Rim Trail. On his truck was a sign that said, "LOOK UP!" HIs bike was a bit too tall and was toppled off his truck by a guy-wire. Rather than fussing about it, he made a positive experience (and a lot of laughs and admiration) out of the situation. The group consisted of people Jerry knew from work and a variety of his activities. By the end of he ride, we all knew each other and several folks stayed at our hose a year later to begin the colorful Colorado Ride the Rockies." ~ October 2019 ~

Brian Jones from Tennessee

"THANK YOU for lettimg me know and I will get this to everyone I know. I will not be able to be there, but your dad is a huge influence in my life I can still hear his voice, his witty comments and his big laugh to this day. I pray that I never forget them." ~November 2019~

Photo from Jerry's Lens

Michael Smith from Colorado

From Michael Smith's Tribute. "JERRY MOORE was a man of small physical stature, but he was a GIANT in the eyes of the people who knew him. He was a force of nature, like a hurricane, but a constructive hurricane building people up wherever he went. And he went so many places. Let me give you a quick glimpse into various aspects of his life where he was able to love up large numbers of people. ..."
~ November 2019 ~

"MOORE"