Gerald Janis Obituary

It has been two years since Jerry passed. I truly liked working with him for his last assignment with the Department of State. He was my security lead in Baghdad, Iraq. I very nice and quiet man who just got things done for me and our team. It was nice to see this two year anniversary memorial for Jerry. To his friends and family, I would just like to let you know that someone else remembers this special and kind man.

Gerald and I were always very close. Even though he was 10 years my younger, we were always able to talk about many things. He was intelligent even at a young age. That continued throughout both of our lives as we could always sense whether the other was okay or when there was something that needed a talk or a phone call. We were lucky to have each other.

I wish I could explain that most of all, Gerald, even at a young age, was a lot of fun! There was always something he was doing, or doing to another, or with words that he would make you laugh or just make something fun. He was someone to enjoy being with.

I think he was born to jump out of airplanes: From the house, Mom and I would watch preschool Gerald jump off the roof of the chicken barn! Our stomach´s would turn with worry as we couldn´t run to save him because he would have jumped by the time we reached him. Then Gerald would jump and somehow always land in the haystack with a big "I did it" smile on his face.

Gerald liked to tie empty tin cans and things above the living room doorway (which was the entry door into the house). He would tie them there so that they would fall on me when I came home from teaching school. Sometimes mom would see it before I got there and warn me, other times she didn´t...Gerald would laugh and laugh when he was able to make scream.

I was ten years older than Gerald. He used to call me "Sis" ever since he was little. When I started dating my future husband, Joe, Jerry was always checking on me and Joe, peeking in the window when we were sitting in the living room, sneaking around and popping out from doorways just to check on us... and make sure I was okay.

Our favorite thing as brothers and sis back then is that I would take Jerry and David for ice cream, as it was the big thing to do. They could get any flavor or however many scoops they wanted. We also would go to Euclid Park in Ohio and ride on any rides we wanted and eat and have so much fun!

I took Gerald to school his first day of first grade (we lived across the busy road) and I also was a teacher at the school. Jerry left school that first day and ran home. I went back and got him at the house. He cried and said he did not want to go to school. We talked about it and I walked him back to his class. His teacher asked him nicely, "but Gerald, why didn´t you want to come to school?" and he answered very plainly, "Because I don´t like you!" The teacher and I were dumbfounded. She and I were able to work with him so that he was happy then to stay. Gerald always told it like it was!
God blessed me with you as a brother. I will miss hearing you call me "Sis". Sleep in God's peace.

Delores, Janis family, and his military friends,

Gerry worked with me at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad as we built a new power plant for the entire embassy community there. Gerry was a quiet man with kind and strong values. I always leaned on him to help me out with project issues and advice. He took care of me and all of the Overseas Buildings Operations staff. Whenever anyone was leaving Baghdad, he offered to give that person a ride to the heliport at 4:30 AM. He would always be there to pick people up from the heliport as well. You all are in my thoughts.

A donation was made to the Wounded Warrior Project in your name. Forever Together Soldiers above or below the Grass. We will meet again.

I would like to offer my greatest sympathies to Dolores and his family, Jerry will be missed by all who ever met him. God bless you him, and your family. Jayne and Dee Robblee

Jerry personified the "Quiet Professional". He always worked behind the scenes anticipating problems and fixing them without seeking attention. He made everyone else look good. He took care of our SF NCOs yet held them to very high standards. He was a soldiers soldier.

Dolores and family, I feel I know you as you were constantly included in conversations with Jerry and I talked to Dolores on the phone several times. I did not know Jerry in his military career, but have known him for 23 years in his State Department work. We served together in Uganda, Tunisia, Angola and for several years in Baghdad. He was in a class by himself and truly was a gentleman and professional in all that he did. I'm going to miss him immensely, and even though we have all lost him, I'm sure he is catching up with Georg Moskaluk and guarding the gates. The Janis family will be in my prayers and I wish that the way he lived his life, will be a comfort to you all. What an example for a life well lived.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gerald was an amazing person and a great friend to all of us work colleagues. He will be missed.
May he rest in piece

The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for CSM Janis' distinguished service to our country in the Army. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO