James Morris CHILDS

Notes:

US Navy, World War I.

He was in the insurance and real estate business in Fairmont, Minnesota.

He wrote an autobiography in 1965 called “The White Indian.”

James married Evelyn Clarice NERISON on 1 Aug 1927 in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Evelyn (daughter of Hans A NERISON and Ida Maria KJØS) was born on 2 Jan 1907; died on 22 Sep 1983; was buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From Find A Grave as submitted by Jeff Kregel:

Jerome Marlo Childs was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Evelyn and James Childs in 1928. His father sold insurance and real estate and his mother was a nurse. Jerry grew up in Fairmont where he lived an ideal boyhood near Lake Sisseton and Sylvania Park. He was the oldest of three children. He graduated from high school with honors.

He started selling men’s clothing while in high school and continued doing it for eleven years. He worked his way through Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter and graduated with a BA in Business Administration in 1951. In college, his love of sports started to surface and he lettered in hockey for four years as one of the team’s principal players. He continued playing hockey while in the Marine Corps.

While employed during the summer months doing accounting in Fairmont, he met his future wife, Patricia Austinson. He then spent two years in the Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After receiving his discharge, he joined Shell Oil Company in Minneapolis. Pat and Jerry were married in 1956 and lived in Wayzata where Bradley Austin was born in 1959. In 1962, Jerry was transferred to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Jane Tracy was born. During his 37 years with Shell Oil Company, Jerry was a member of the prestigious Laurel Society for outstanding sales performance and contributions to Shell Oil Company. He served in many positions and fields within the company.

Jerry was a member of the Lutheran Church council.

In 1968, they were transferred to St. Louis where they joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (formerly St. Luke’s) and remained faithful members. Jerry was a devout Christian, raised in the Lutheran Church, and actively served many charitable organizations throughout his lifetime.

Jerry was an avid golfer and gifted tennis player. Jerry was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. He always enjoyed traveling with friends and family. After retiring, he became a self-avowed “snow bird”, wintering in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, where he played tennis 6 days a week. He competed in the Senior Olympics, taking home both silver and bronze medals.

The Childs and Neumans are long-standing members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and long-time family friends. Bob & Bea and Jerry & Patty enjoyed many evenings out as couples and were great friends; their kids are great friends as well. The families shared many special memories at the Childs’ annual 4th of July pool parties and trips to Destin, Florida. Following the deaths of both of their spouses in 2000, they began attending church functions and soon became inseparable. They wed in 2001, uniting their families and establishing new traditions, while continuing to winter in Fort Meyers Beach, Florida.

Preceding Jerry in life was his beloved wife of 44 years, Patricia, his parents, James and Evelyn Childs, and his younger brother Gailand (survived by Elin and niece Diane Acree (Richard).

Jerry is survived by: his devoted wife Beatrice Joan Childs (Neuman), sister-in-law, Karen Cantlon (Steve), and his sister, Jeanyne (Childs) Hess (Clifford) and family. He is also survived by immediate family: son, Bradley Childs (Angelia) and grandchildren; Aaron, Allison, Abby Childs and great granddaughter, Violet Childs. Daughter, Jane Childs Bantz (Everett) and granddaughter, Emily Napoli. He was a loving step father (& grandfather) to Beatrice?s four children & families: son, Craig Neuman (Susan), grandchildren; Nicholas (Shelby), Blake, Brady, and Robert Neuman. Daughter, Kristi Neuman. Son, Steven Neuman (Debra) and grandchildren; Alec, Brendan and Grant Neuman. Daughter, Michelle Neuman Spielberg (Andrew), grandchildren; Connor and Hannah. He was a dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 327 Woods Mill Road, Manchester, Missouri and The American Cancer Society.

Jerry, we hope there is tennis in heaven.

Jerome married Patricia Jane AUSTINSON in 1956. Patricia (daughter of Ludvig Adolph AUSTINSON and Dorothy J BRADLEY) was born on 11 Oct 1931 in Rice County, Minnesota; died on 3 Apr 2000 in Missouri. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]