Gerald "Jerry" L. Fields 1944 - 2018

FIELDS, HAVEN, CALHOUN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/20/2018 at 23:21:50

Sioux City Journal
22 April 2018

Sioux City

Gerald "Jerry" L. Fields, 74, of Sioux City, passed away at his residence.

Service time is pending and will be announced later. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Jerry was born Jan 21, 1944, in Sioux City, to Mark H. Sr. and Jean L. (Haven) Fields.

He was born and raised in Sioux City and attended Hopkins Elementary, West Junior and graduated from Central High School in 1963.

Jerry worked for 44 years with UPS and was an active Teamster throughout his employment. He was a lifelong member of Sioux City's oldest and first African American church, Malone A.M.E, where he also served as treasurer. Jerry would be awarded and recognized as an activist in human rights and racial equality on the various boards he would serve. He was a member of the local chapter of the NAACP, where he served as Vice President from 1988-1992, and taking on the role as President in 1992-1996. Jerry was appointed by the Governor of Iowa to serve on the newly established board for the Iowa Department of Human Rights Division, Iowa Commission on the Status of African-Americans, and would be appointed two terms from 1988-1992 and 1992-1996. He was also a member of the African American Committee for Celebrating Community Projects in Sioux City.

Jerry’s specialty was grilling. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and their many friends they would bring to grandma and grandpa Fields' house, music and good ole conversation. He also loved "hashing it over" with the fellas at his favorite watering hole, the Red Room. He impacted the lives of many by what he said and did. His quick wit never failed to make you laugh. He was a valuable, influential man. Kind to most, hero to many, but most of all, he was human and real. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Bonnadell J. Calhoun on May 29, 1965, in Elk Point, S.D., and later with a formal ceremony at St. Boniface Church. Through the many adversities put into their path, their love and unbreakable bond for each other and a strong faith, they would persevere together for nearly 54 years, and together would raise eight children in Sioux City.

Surviving are his wife, Bonny; sons, Jimi (Liudmyla) Fields, Jury (Eileen) Fields and Jael (Tamisha) Fields; daughters, Jerri Lynn (Patrick) Swann, Johni-Thomas (Tim) Jenkins, Jayline Fields and January Fields; 14 grandchildren; siblings, Dr. Mark H. Jr. (Mary Ellen) Fields, Robert Fields, JoAnn (David) Whittaker; and close family friend, Christine Terry.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Jean Fields; son, Jade Fields; brothers, Henry and Phillip Fields; sister, Marksene Jackson.