I was saddened to learn this weekend of the death of Jerry Lewis. Jerry came to Rice in the mid-80s and worked first in internal audit, then in the controllers office. In 2002 he moved over to athletics and eventually became Associate AD for Finance, a job he kept until he retired in 2011. I had known him for quite a long time but when I was working on cleaning out the gym before the renovations Jerry became a very important person in my life. He could get every door in that building open one way or another and his help was crucial in completing the project, which has resulted in one of the finest archival collections of a university’s athletics program anywhere.
Jerry was a fine man–modest, deeply loyal, and absolutely honest. In the way of others I’ve known whose work gives them a good look at human folly, he regarded the shenanigans he sometimes witnessed with a sort of sad, wry bemusement. He always had a smile, even when it wasn’t really funny, and he knew when and how to keep a secret. I was proud to be his friend and I’ll miss him.
His daughter Susie works here at the Shepherd School.
Had the opportunity to work with Jerry on several occasions during his Allen Center days. Sad to hear this news.
Jerry was a kind and funny man. We shared a lot of laughs together. Just a good guy and he will be missed.
Jerry was one of the good guys. He could make even the most difficult situations bearable by his upbeat attitude, his view of the larger world, and his honesty. He was a trusted friend and colleague.
Wonderful words in honor/memory of Jerry Lewis, a wonderful man. Your words truly captured his spirit.