Jerry James Armstrong

MADISON- Jerry James Armstrong, age 79, died on Sunday, March 29, 2009, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born in Madison on June 21, 1929, to John and Grace (Botham) Armstrong. Jerry was the oldest of nine children and lived with his family on West Lawn Avenue for many years. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1952 from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Jerry served for two years in the United State Army as an Intelligence Officer. He held the rank of First Lieutenant at the time of his Honorable Discharge. After receiving a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, Jerry practiced law in Chicago at Montgomery Wards. He returned to Madison and taught Technical Writing at the University of Wisconsin School of Civil Engineering. Jerry opened his own law office in Madison and worked as an attorney in the general practice of law, ultimately focusing his practice in bankruptcy law. He was a trustee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin for many years. Jerry loved nature and enjoyed walking in the woods, fishing in trout streams, and driving through the countryside. He liked and was interested in animals, particularly turtles. Jerry also collected coins and political memorabilia, and he enjoyed attending Badger football and basketball games. Jerry was undoubtedly one of Badger football's most enthusiastic and loyal fans. Jerry was exceptionally knowledgeable about history, politics, and literature, and he would spend hours discussing these topics with his friends and family. Jerry was a very intelligent, witty, and independent man, as well as an empathetic and caring soul. He enjoyed being a father. Jerry was a proud grandfather to his grandchildren, with whom he was both gentle and fun. Comfortable in solitude, he was also gregarious and fun-loving with his many friends and relatives. Jerry was passionate about life. Jerry is survived by his children, Jeanne Marie Armstrong (fiance, Michael Jensen), Susan (Chris) Richard, Steven Armstrong, and James Armstrong; his grandchildren, Dain and Mackenzie Richard; his former wife, Lois; his siblings, Thomas (Elsie) Armstrong, George (Linda) Armstrong, Catherine Dunn, Charlotte Armstrong, and Paul (Mary Jane) Armstrong of Madison; his many nieces and nephews; his friend, Jim Thoma; and many other relatives and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sally; his brother, John (""Jack""); his brother-in-law, Philip Dunn; his niece, Patricia Dunn; and his friend, Ray Esser. Visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road in Madison, on Thursday, April 2, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery at 2705 Regent Street, in Madison, on Friday, April 3, 2009, at 12:00 p.m. The family would like to thank Jerry's friends at Badger Prairie Health Care Center. The family also extends much appreciation to the staff members of Unit 4A and the SICU at the VA for their care during Jerry's recent illness.