Jerry Joe Gwillim

A life defined by hard work, loyalty, and quiet strength came to a close with the passing of Jerry Joe Gwillim on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the age of 80.

He was born in Carlinville, Illinois, on Sunday, December 9, 1945, to the late George W. Gwillim and Ruby Mae (Chism) Gwillim.

Jerry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joyce A. Gwillim, on October 15, 1977, in Staunton, Illinois. Together, they shared 48 years of marriage built on love, loyalty, and steadfast partnership.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Mae Gwillim (née Chism); his father, George W. Gwillim; his stepfather, Clarence W. Gwillim; and his siblings, Alfred “Bo” Gwillim, Earl Gwillim, Floyd Gwillim, Dale Gwillim, Carol Jean Gwillim, and Donna Morgan.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce A. Gwillim of Bonne Terre, Missouri; his loving daughter, Sarah (Thomas) Gwillim Mansholt of Ballwin, Missouri; his grandson, Andrew Mansholt, his pride and joy, of Ballwin, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Janet Griffel; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jerry graduated from Carlinville High School in Carlinville, Illinois, in 1963. Following in the footsteps of three of his older brothers, he joined the military, enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served his country with honor.

After returning home, Jerry built his life on the road as an over-the-road truck driver. Over the years, he hauled for Owen’s Glass, Gwillim Trucking, Advance Glove Company, and Cisco Steel before spending the final 20+ years of his career with American Freightways/FedEx Freight.

A proud veteran, Jerry remained committed to his fellow servicemen and women as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of VFW Post 6883. He was also a member of the VCR-50 Foo Dogs Fleet Logistics Support Squadron and enjoyed attending reunions with his wife. As a dual military veteran couple, Jerry was honored to participate in the 96th Greater St. Louis Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., alongside his wife and accompanied by their daughter.

Jerry found joy in life’s simple pleasures. In retirement, he took great pride in his flower gardens, especially his irises and lilies, and found peace in fishing, watching his hummingbirds, working on painting projects, and sharing his love of music, especially performances on Austin City Limits and attending live concerts, with his daughter. While his circle of friends was small, he cared deeply for those within it, always asking about them, checking in, and keeping them close to his heart and mind.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM at C.Z Boyer & Son Chapel in Bonne Terre, Missouri, led by family friend Mr. Dan Harris. Inurnment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, where American Legion Post 404 will perform military funeral honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Terre Du Lac’s TNR Program via the Terre du Lac Association Office, PBS Foundation, or to The Henry Shaw Fund at the Missouri Botanical Garden in Jerry’s honor.

Arrangements are under the direction of C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Bonne Terre.