Durham, North Carolina - Jerry S. Kessinger age 85 died Monday, May 26th, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina.

The son of the late George S. Kessinger and Rose Hellmann Kessinger, Jerry was a graduate of New Albany High School (1957) and a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served as an Aviation Electrician's Mate Second Class. He was a graduate of Indiana State University in 1965 (B.S.) and in 1966 (M.A.).

Jerry was preceded in death by brother Thomas L. Kessinger and sisters Bobetta L. Fougerousse and Norma McKinley. Survivors include daughter Julianne (Julie) K. Roach (Jeff Patrick) of North Carolina, son Jeffrey Scott Kessinger of Missouri, brother Michael C. Kessinger (Donna) of Indiana. He is also survived by two grandchildren Anthony Roach (Morgan), Megan Shurlow (Kevin) and 3 step-grandchildren, Bradley Patrick, Christopher Patrick and Evan Patrick. Jerry was lucky enough to have many great-grandchildren.

During his versatile career, Jerry was a Manager of Organizational & Human Resources Development with several major corporations, a painting and decorating contractor, and a consultant with a national consulting firm specializing in the implementation of employee problem-solving teams. Jerry lectured at several colleges and universities in Speech Communication, teaching courses in Public Speaking and Persuasion, including approximately twenty years as an adjunct faculty at the University of Cincinnati. A member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Jerry was a "Student of Life", labelling himself as a "secular progressive".

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends to remember Jerry at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana, Friday, July 18th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. He has been inurned in the New Albany National Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Jerry's name to The Center for Women & Families PO Box 2048 Louisville, KY 40201 (812) 944-6743 or Thecenteronline.org.