Jerry L. Cushman

Dr. Jerry L. Cushman passed away on June 22, 2022. Born on April 30, 1935, in Lansing Michigan, he is preceded in death by his parents Seward R. Cushman Sr. and Julia (Patrick) Cushman as well as two brothers, Seward R. Cushman jr. and Dennis Cushman. A deeply loving and devoted family man, he is survived by his wife of 68 years Joy (Jones) Cushman and four children Kerry (Kevin) Kelly, Derek (Lori) Cushman, Karen (Chuck) Hilt and Brenda (Fred) Leiter. He was also blessed to have and be greatly loved by 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A 1953 graduate of Lansing Eastern High School, Jerry wrestled for 3 years on an undefeated wrestling team, where he individually won a State Championship letter for his weight class. He went on to attend Michigan State University and earned a B.S. degree while also serving as a Staff/ Sergeant in the Michigan National Guard. A true scholar, Jerry went on to earn a M.A. degree from Michigan State University, an M.S degree from Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D from Michigan State University in Education Administration and Management. He shared his knowledge as a math and science teacher at Lansing Everett High School and coached wrestling and golf. He was honored to be one of 100 national biology teachers selected by the National Science Foundation to attend a 3 year program to upgrade the teaching of high school biology, after the 1957 Sputnik event. Later he transferred to Lansing Hill High School where he was the Instructional Leader for the Math and Science departments and also served as Athletic Director. When an administrative position opened with Greenville Public Schools, he jumped at the chance. He served in many capacities in several buildings and Administration and retired as the Assistant Superintendent in 1993 after 37 years of distinguished service in Public Education. An active member in many local and regional committees, he was the Chairperson for both the Kent County Negotiators and Montcalm County Professional Development of Educators. He also was a member of the Elks and the Knights of Columbus. A lover of all sports, he was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and golfer. He loved competition and won Club Championships at both the Greenville Country Club and the Quail Run Country Club in Naples Florida. He enjoyed cheering and (sometimes screaming) at the Detroit Tigers, but he especially loved his Michigan State Spartans. Jerry and Joy were very fortunate to have traveled extensively and loved spending summers in Greenville and winters in Naples Florida after retirement. The family has so many wonderful memories of times spent together at both “The Lake” and down on the beaches in Naples. He was always ready for fun, planning a party or sharing a good story, but nothing pleased him more than seeing his grand children and great grandchildren laugh and learn. His joy for life and passion for his family will never be forgotten. Funeral Mass will be 11 AM Tuesday, June 28, 2022 St. Charles Catholic Church, celebrated by Fr. Jim Wyse.  The only visitation will be 9:30 Tuesday at the church before the Mass.  Burial will take place at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, with Military Services by the Greenville American Legion Post #101.  In Lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Greenville Area Community Foundation for an Education Scholarship. Make checks out to GACF in memory of Jerry and mail to 225 N. Lafayette, Greenville Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.