Jerry “Jookie” Leader left us here on Earth in the early hours of June 4 to reunite with his Joanie after 94 years of living life, like Sinatra, “my way.” 


A loving husband, father to Tammi, Jodi, Randi; “Papa” to Chelsea (+Peter), Court, Spencer, Grant, Alison, Luci, he was a true family man. Nothing was more important than his “kinda” (kin-duh), except his word. 


Jook was a real pisser. Straight out of Brooklyn at 13, he moved to Miami but kept the accent. Graduate of Miami Beach Sr. High, Class of ‘46; a Florida Gator through and through; a Korean War veteran; and an accountant who worked until almost 90; former President of Curtiss National Bank; and CFO of Grand Slam Sports! He was a “4-star athlete” who excelled at tennis and golf (he shot his age at 75!). His secret to longevity? “Playing ball since I was five!”

In 1957, Jerry wed Joan Furman, the sweet, powerful yin to his yang. They were married for 62 incredible years. Together, they loved big and shared it, and man: did they laugh!


Jookie spent some of his happiest times in Colorado’s Vail Valley, immersed in family, friends and music. He was a breakfast aficionado; in his later years, frequenting Sage Bagel, Jack’s Diner, Bob's (Avon) and most of all: The Original Pancake House, where he made his acting debut in one of their commercials. 

He would want you to know that he was almost always right. And everything else he’d want you to know, he’s already told you, because that’s who he was.

We’ll hold his legacy in our hearts, and most of all, in our integrity, which we promise to pass on for generations to come. We’ll always love and forever share the spirit of our Papa Jookie Leader.

All donations directly fund scholarships to Campowerment's camp retreats for women, are tax-deductible and benefit Give Her Camp, Inc: FEIN: 81-1407528.

Give Her Camp, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit that is designed to send deserving women on a weekend-long, life-enhancing Campowerment retreat.