Jerald Wayne Jacquard

Jerald Wayne Jacquard peacefully passed away Saturday July 25, 2020, at Hearthstone Health in Bloomington, Indiana. Jerry was born February 1, 1937 in Lansing Michigan, the son of Clifford and Pauline Jackard. He married Dawn Ranguette nearly 60 years ago and together they had 4 children; Michelle, Jerome, Renee’ and Nicole. Jerry graduated from Eastern High School where he played various sports; he was a state champion wrestler and captain of the football team, he also played baseball, and was on the swim team. It was his success in wrestling that earned him a full-ride scholarship to Michigan State University to wrestle and study in the School of Fine Arts. During this time Jerry also served for several years as a Sergeant in the US Army Reserve. It was a high school teacher’s encouragement and Jerry’s ability to excel in athletics that opened the door for him to attend Michigan State University. Gaining experience in his father’s welding business in Lansing, he was considered a master-welder and most likely would have joined the family business, however, the opportunity presented itself to study art at MSU where he earned a BA in 1960 and his MFA in 1962. After graduating he taught at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in 1963 to study bronze casting in Florence, Italy. In 1966, he and Dawn moved their young family to Chicago, where Jerry built the sculpture department at the new University of Illinois, Chicago Circle Campus. While in Chicago Jerry watched the modern skyline grow and it was during this time that he became interested in monumental sculpture in urban environments. His welding skills proved valuable as he created and erected his large sculptures in downtown Chicago and surrounding areas. In 1974, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship and would go on to receive many other prestigious awards including a National Endowment for the Arts in 1980 and a Lilly Research Fellowship in 1981. In the fall of 1975 he joined the faculty at Indiana University and moved the family to Bloomington, where he led the Sculpture Department and taught sculpture for over 30 years. He was a Professor Emeritus of Indiana University. Art was a critical element of Jerry’s life and it consumed him daily as he endlessly worked through his creative thoughts from conception to creation. Primarily known for his large outdoor modern sculptures, his work overlapped and influenced his bronze castings, paintings, models and so much more. His creativity can be seen in everything he worked on and what clearly resonates throughout his life’s work is something anyone who knew Jerry understood - from sun up to sun down the act of creating art was constantly on his mind. His overriding passion for art and his overwhelming drive to make art his entire life was strong and he found inspiration and regenerated his creative thoughts by visiting new and interesting locations across the country and around the world. Jerry’s passions included architecture, design, ceramics, fishing on Lake Michigan and he was a black-belt Euchre player. Jerry would pass time watching The History Channel – which led to his unbelievable breadth of miscellaneous random knowledge. He was constantly learning and teaching and looked at life through a different lens. It was through his unique perspective that influenced his art, his interests, and how he lived his life. Jerry’s inner drive not only lent to his artistic creations, but also his tenacity to succeed by overcoming obstacles. He continually encouraged his wife and children to pursue higher education, explore different and off-beat opportunities and experiences, and work towards their goals and dreams, all in the effort to aim high and for each of them to find and become the best version of themselves. Jerry is survived by; his wife Dawn, son Jerome (Georgey), and daughters Renee’ (Paul), and Nicole (Fred). Jerry is also survived by his grandchildren; Castine, Cortland, Katey, Clayton, Cole, Sean, and Mia, as well as his brother Jack (Irene), sister Julie, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister JoAnne and his daughter Michelle. Jerry was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, who will all miss this tremendous force in their lives. He was a devoted teacher, mentor and friend to many – all of who will fondly remember their ‘Jerry stories’. If you ever met Jerry – you without a doubt never forgot him. He did have his own way which he described as: ‘There is the right way, the wrong way, and there is the Jacquard way.’ Due to the circumstances at this time surrounding the global pandemic and keeping the best interest of health and safety of all family and friends, a private family memorial will take place. The family is also planning a Life Celebration that will be arranged for a later date for a public remembrance. In Lieu of flowers the family ask that memorial contributions be made to the Monroe County Humane Society.

Tributes

Jerald Wayne Jacquard

February 1, 1937 - July 25, 2020