Jerry Lion lived out his call to ministry quietly, reflecting a caring and nonjudgmental gentleness whether praying, visiting, encouraging, teaching, or simply chatting with someone he met along the way. Jerry often said,” We are pilgrims here on earth to share the gospel of Jesus until he calls us home.” In January Jerry had a significant fall resulting in a traumatic head injury. He was hospitalized for a number of weeks and was able to return home for a short period in March, but he died April 1 due to complications. He was 74.
A graduate of Calvin College (now University) and Seminary, Jerry was ordained in 1981, then pastored Redeeming Love Christian Reformed Church, East Grand Forks, Minn.; Vogel Center CRC, McBain, Mich.; Family of Faith CRC, Kennewick, Wash.; and Avery Street CRC, South Windsor, Conn.
A prayer warrior, Jerry served on prayer committees and taught classes on prayer. He volunteered with Love In the Name of Christ, an organization that helps local churches to work together to serve their neighbors in need. He was a trainer and leader of Alpha, a series of sessions that help non-believers explore the Christian faith. He had a passion to share his deep faith with all ages. With a heart for missions, he served on a mission to Uganda and supported missionaries in various countries.
Jerry and his wife retired in 2016 to The Villages, a retirement community in central Florida, where he continued to serve for two and a half years as visitation pastor to North Lake Presbyterian Church.
Jerry enjoyed reading, writing, having coffee with friends,and gardening. He knew history well and kept up on current events. A great love was spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by Donna, his wife of 46 years; three children and their spouses; and nine grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.