Jerry F. Loughren

Jerry F. Loughren, 72, of Oxford, passed away in the ICU at Wilson Hospital, in Johnson City, due to complications from a heart issue which caused a brain hemorrhage. He passed peacefully in the early morning hours of August 20, 2022 with his loved ones by his side.

Jerry was born in Norwich, NY on April 11, 1950. (As he liked to say, “in the middle of last century”). He was the first-born son of the late Frances J. Loughren and Margaret Evelyn (Wright) Loughren. Jerry grew up in Oxford and graduated from Oxford Academy Central School, class of 1968. Shortly thereafter, he started working for the Norwich Pharmacal Company, which later became Procter & Gamble. While employed, he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam conflict from September of 1969 to July of 1971. When Jerry returned from serving his country, he returned to his job, where he worked for the next 32 years.

Jerry was gifted with an uncanny mechanical ability. He could always fix just about anything. This was evident when he went into the Army and was selected to be a helicopter mechanic in Germany, where he repaired and recommissioned helicopters, so they could return to Vietnam.

Jerry was always a “car guy.” Whether it was working on a car as a teenager in the driveway of his parent’s house or doing a “frame off” restoration in his own garage as an adult. Many knew Jerry by his nickname “39,” which came from one of his first rebuilds, a ‘39 Ford Coupe. He worked for several years on stock cars for the Smith racing teams (Gordie/Jerry/Tiger) and because it was confusing having two Jerry’s in the garage at the same time, he became “39.” In the years following, he rebuilt a multitude of cars with his boys by his side, sharing in the sometimes hard and dirty work, as well as the joy when they were done. The cars included two ‘55 Chevy’s, a ‘66 and ‘67 Chevelle, a ‘46 Ford Coupe, a ‘82 Chevy short box step side pickup and a few others.

Jerry had a signature laugh that was robust and genuine; when he laughed there was no mistake it was him. He was kind and compassionate and always there for his family and friends when they needed him. Jerry would be the first to admit that he was a “homebody,” but he loved having company, as well as the countless parties, picnics, and celebrations that were in their home. He always remarked that he loved the “life” that it brought to the house. Jerry also loved riding his Harley, by himself, with his wife, or one of his sons. He loved how it made him feel, riding down the road with the wind in his face, enjoying the feeling of freedom from any body aches, pains or troubles.

Jerry was not only a hands-on Dad, but a hands-on grandfather. He loved all of his grandchildren and spent many hours teaching them skills they needed (like vehicle repair, mowing lawn, etc.), or just having fun playing board games (Apples to Apples), card games (UNO), telling stories, or giving them life advice, like how to check their oil (Mya ;-) ). They will miss him dearly, but he will live in their hearts forever.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Ellen M. Loughren; sons, Michael (Terri) Waters, Jerry “Bug” (Marie) Loughren, each of Norwich, and Andrew (Sarah) Waters, of Smyrna; grandchildren, Mya Loughren, Logan Waters, Cameron Waters, Luke Waters, and Elle Waters. In addition to his children, Jerry is also survived by his siblings, Tom (Donna) Loughren, of Oxford, Ray (Elizabeth) Loughren, of Ft. Myers, FL, Linda Loughren, of Norwich, Sue Loughren, of Florida, Rich Loughren, of Binghamton; sisters-in-law, Sharon Cavness, of Greene, Jean (Dan) Sharpe, of Norwich; brother-in-law, Mark (Bonnie Anderson) Waters, of Port Deposit, MD; niece and nephews, Alex (Bryan) Loughren Thomas, James Loughren, Jacob and Jonah Loughren, Robert Corbin, Keith (Stacey) Corbin, Raymond (Deb) Cavness, Rebecca (Phil) Root, Danny Sharpe, Ryan (Ingrid) Sharpe, Adrienne (Tyler) Sharpe, as well as many great-nieces, great-nephews and several cousins. Jerry was predeceased by his parents as well as other beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home in Norwich, NY, on Thursday, September 1, 2022, from 5:00 - 9:00pm. Interment will be at the Riverview Cemetery, in Oxford, on Friday morning. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held Friday, September 2, 2022 at the VFW Post 2782 in Norwich, NY, from 4:00 - 8:00pm. Contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, or any Veterans organization of choice.