03/09/05 - NNHS Newsletter -
Jerry Zoumplis

Gerald Chris Zoumplis
(1943 - 2005)

  

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,   

   There was supposed to have been a regular Newsletter today, but I was only half finished with it when this news reached me.

From Sandi Bateman Chestnut ('65) of VA - 03/08/05:

Hi, Carol,
Unfortunately I have more bad news and I know how you dread that.  I received an e-mail from our church's secretary
Tuesday, that Jerry Zoumplis ('61) died Monday.  In talking to another church member, I was told that he had been
feeling badly all weekend and his mother's caretaker found him dead Monday morning........ I thought you'd want to know,
if you don't already.  Take care of yourself for me and everyone else who loves and appreciates you!
Love,
Sandi

   Oh, Sandi!  This news does not hit me gently.  Thank you so much for letting me know.  I am so distressed I'm short of words.

   I’m so glad Jerry came to the ’63 and ’64 Reunions, and that I was able to see him and talk to him just a little bit.  Bless those
sweet souls who began instituting open reunions!
           
Gerald Chris Zoumplis            

Gerald Chris Zoumplis

NEWPORT NEWS - Gerald Chris Zoumplis, 62, son of Jeanette R. Zoumplis, died March 7, 2005. Arrangements
by Peninsula Funeral Home.

Published in the Daily Press on 3/10/2005.

  I offer my deepest sympathies to Jerry's family and friends.  Jerry contributed to our pages on a number of occasions. 
His brother, Nowell ('66) is also on our mailing list.

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/memoriam-all.html

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/memoriam61.html

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/obit-jerry-zoumplis.html

From Craig Miller ('63) of FL - 03/10/05:

Ouch.  I am crushed to powder.  Jerry Zoumplis ('61) was one of my best friends at NNHS, together with Kenny
Lipscomb ('63), Chuck Lilly ('63), and Max Bartholomew ('65).  Kenny and I prevailed on Jerry to come to the
'63 reunion with us, and we enjoyed some great fellowship, together.  I'm glad to hear he made it to the '64 reunion.
 
Lorraine and I enjoyed dinner with Jerry on several occasions when visiting NN.  Jerry was one of the nicest guys I
ever knew.  He never had a harsh word for anyone, and he had the best sense of humor in the Universe.  It took a lot
to get Jerry mad.  On the rare occasion when we could needle him into anger, it was comical, because he just couldn't
do "mad" very well!
 
When I bought a motorcycle without my mother knowing it Jerry let me hide it at his house.  He was a true friend and
a great guy.
 
May God bless his family in this time of grief.
 
Craig

   Thank you, Craig.  I remembered what good friends you were, and thought of you immediately.  Is it just my imagination, or
back in our band days did we not used to greet Jerry with wild whoops of "Jerzoump!"??  I was so touched by your description
of Jerry's lack of anger.  What an amazing quality and example to us all!

From Cookie Phillips Tyndall ('64) of VA - 03/10/05:

It is so hard to see how many of us are passing away. I know it is the order of things but no less disheartening.

   Thanks, Cookie.  That's an excellent phrasing of it all - disheartening.

Gerald Chris "Jerry" Zoumplis

NEWPORT NEWS - Gerald C. "Jerry" Zoumplis, 62, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 7, 2005, at home. Jerry was a
native and lifelong resident of Newport News. He graduated in 1961 from Newport News High School where he played
trumpet in the high school band. He founded Two Peppers Productions and immensely enjoyed working in his business.
Jerry produced local television shows such as Club Vision, The Vibe, and Two Peppers TV. He was previously employed
as Sports Information Director for Hampton University; he worked for Murray & Dischinger, and also worked for The Daily
Press. Jerry loved music and had played the bugle in the Virginia Gentlemen Drum and Bugle Corps through the American
Legion Post 25. He had previously been an instructor for the Young Americans Bugle Corps, which he truly enjoyed. He
was a member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church in Newport News and served as an usher. Over the years,
he was very active in the church, coaching various youth athletic teams and working with the Appalachian Service Project.
He was also involved in a small group at Crossroads Community Church in Yorktown and made many friends there as well.
Everyone who knew Jerry loved him. He always had a sense of humor no matter what he faced in this life. He is survived
by his mother, Jeanette R. Zoumplis, one brother, Nowell J. Zoumplis and his wife, Anna, and a niece, Angela Zoumplis, all
of Newport News, a nephew, Dorian Zoumplis and his wife, Shannon, of Gaithersburg, Md. He also leaves to cherish his
memory many, many friends and coworkers. Family and friends may assemble at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, at Chestnut
Memorial United Methodist Church, 1024 Harpersville Road. Funeral services will be held at the church at 2 p.m. that day.
Graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, March 14, in Peninsula Memorial Park. Contributions can be made to the
Jerry Zoumplis Memorial Fund at any Peninsula Towne Bank. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Published in the Daily Press from 3/10/2005 - 3/11/2005

Dear Jeanette, Nowell and family you are in my prayers. You were a very big part of my life. I love you very much.
Linda Bell-Vreeland (Hampton, VA ) - March 10, 2005
 
 
So sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. Our family prays that God's grace and peace will surround you at this time and be a comfort in your loss. Cary Williams' Family
Cary Williams (Newport News, VA ) - March 10, 2005
 
 
I am so sad to hear about my friend Jerry's death. What a shock! He was such a good buddy in band, journalism on Beacon and in years
after school. I trust God will be with his family through this and take Jerry to his bosom.
Norman M. Covert
Norman Covert (Frederick, MD ) - March 10, 2005
NMCOVERT77@AOL.COM 
 
Jerry was a big part of my growing up years in Newport News and Wilson School and NNHS and my memories of him are of a kind, gentle person. I last saw him at our class reunion and he was the same as he was in 1961. He will be missed.
Eva Ellis Madagan (Wesley Chapel, FL ) - March 10, 2005
 
 
Nowell,

Our prayers are with you. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Dee & Larry Bartram (Poquoson, VA ) - March 10, 2005
 
 
I could hardly believe it when I heard that Jerry had died. He was such a fun and funny person to be around. I had known Jerry since 1964
when he and I worked together at the City of Newport News for about a year or so, but we had always kept in touch with other. I'm going to miss him.
Howard Williamson (Newport News, VA ) - March 11, 2005
 
 
Nowell and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine losing my sister, so I can't imagine the loss you are feeling in losing your brother and son. May God give you peace in your hearts. My prayers are with you at this time of grief.
Linda
Linda Boatright Fitzgerald (Orlando, FL ) - March 11, 2005
 
 
I am very sorry to hear of Jerry's death. I hope your beautiful memories bring you comfort.
Linda Waterfield Kenney (Hampton, VA ) - March 11, 2005
msgrumpa@cox.net 
 
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Clif Jackson (Gloucester, VA ) - March 11, 2005
 
 
I am saddened to learn of Jerry's sudden death. He was certainly part of my life growing up on Oak Avenue in Newport News. I remember his convertible with fond memories. My prayers and condolences to each of you and his many friends.
Dottie Bell Boulter (Eastern Shore, VA ) - March 11, 2005
dottieb@esva.net 
 
Jerry was one of the most kind, gentle, and caring people I have ever met and I miss him very much. I am so glad I had the chance to know him and am also glad I have now had the chance to meet and become friends with Nowell, Anna and Angela. They all are truly wonderful people.
Angie Harrington (Yorktown, VA ) - March 11, 2005
angiehh@cox.net 
 
Jerry was one Miss Wheeler's "children" at Wilson. I will remember the good times there and in NNHS with him.
Thomas Chappell (Jefferson, GA ) - March 11, 2005
 martet@alltel.net 
 
Nowell, JoAnn and I were very sorry to hear about the lose of your brother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry Moore (Newport News, VA ) - March 11, 2005
 
 
I am very sorry for your lost Gerald was my friend and he also did my music Video and other music project for me and once again I am very sorry for your lost.
Michael Polk (Hampton, VA ) - March 11, 2005
 
 
Nowell and Family,

I was so sorry to hear about your brother's sudden death. Doris called me last night and told me. My prayers are with you and your family.

Anita Morgan Becker NNHS '66
Anita Morgan Becker (Poquoson) - March 11, 2005
 
 
I was so sorry to hear about Jerry, Nowell. I understand how difficult death of a close family member can be for someone. I know that he is in a much better place now and that you will always remember him in your heart. Your friend always, Bernie
Bernie Strohmeyer (Virginia Beach, VA ) - March 11, 2005
 
 
I had the pleasure of knowing Jerry for 7 years...Jerry filmed/edited several of my clients' TV commercials and other shows...He is of Greek descent and i know he was very happy to have filmed the 50 the anniversary of the Greek orthodox church in 1999... we also took a couple of road trips at sporting events that - we worked together for TV.  Jerry was a good man and his memory will be eternal...
Greg Bicouvaris (Newport News, VA ) - March 12, 2005
 
 
I was very saddened to read this morning of the Jerry's passing. We were the best of friends for so many years back in the 50's and 60's. When he visited me last year we talked about getting together in Newport News this summer...and now I really miss him.
I know for all of us who lived in the area, or went to Church together, or worked on the school newspaper, or were in the Typhoon band, or who got to ride around in Jerry's hot car, we will always remember what a wonderful friendly and happy person Jerry was. Typhoons forever!
Ken Lipscomb (Spotsylvania County, VA ) - March 12, 2005
llrmb@aol.com
 
Nowell, our love and prayers are with you and your family. Jerry and I spent many fun times with Jerry Z. I don't remember how we hooked up with him, but in the early seventies, we were inseparable. My Jerry, Your Jerry, and a few other friends formed a group that went to dinners, the beach, movies, whatever we could find to get into. Just good times. We are so happy that we were able to spend some time with him at the Typhoon Reunion of the Class of '64 in October. We also exchanged email greetings. We hope to see you Sunday. God Bless!
Jerry and Judy Allen (Newport News, VA ) - March 13, 2005
jjallen@bww.com 
 
Dear Nowell and Family,
I was saddened to learn of Jerry's sudden death this week. It had been a true pleasure to see him at the Class of 1964 Reunion this past October. I will never forget him as a fellow Typhoon Band Member. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Linda L. Lane (Williamsburg, VA ) - March 13, 2005
mumuml3@aol.com 
 
Cousins Jeannette, Nowell, Anna and family. Sorry I could not make it to the services yesterday to pay my respects to you in person, but I too had a loss this week, my mother. I know your grief at this point but hoping things will get easier in time to deal with. You all are in my prayers. Love
Linda Murphy (Windsor, VA ) - March 14, 2005 
 
 
So sorry to hear of Jerry's sudden death. I worked with Jerry at the Daily Press and Tidewater Life for a brief time back in the late 70's. What a fun and creative guy to be around. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all his friends.
Ron Moyer (Bentleyville, PA ) - March 14, 2005 
 
 
When I think about Jerry, I remember he always had a smile on his face - and he was always kind and pleasant. Always.
It was truly a pleasure to know Jerry.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, co-workers and friends.
Tony Vaughn (Gloucester Point, VA ) - March 15, 2005 
 
 

   Y'all take good care of each other!  TYPHOONS FOREVER!

                          Love to all, Carol

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NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com
PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

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Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" (sequenced by Bjorn Lengton) midi courtesy of http://www.classicalmidi.co.uk/barber.htm
at the suggestion of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 02/10/05
Thanks, Dave!

Blackwork Flowers Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.bravenet.com - 08/12/04

Greg Olsen Painting courtesy of http://gregolsengallery.com – 02/10/05

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