Gerald D. "Jerry" Inman

Gerald Duane Inman, 88, passed away peacefully at Beacon Pointe in Richland, MI on Friday, December 20, 2024.

He was born on January 17, 1936 in Leonidas Mi, the son of Deward and Letha (Jackson) Inman. Sadly, his father Deward passed prior to his birth. He later gained a stepfather when his mother married Clarence Irons.

In 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Carlene Plotts. She preceded him in death in 2018.

Jerry was a 1954 graduate of Galesburg-Augusta High School. During his school years, he was a distinguished athlete earning 11 letters playing football, basketball, and running track. He set a quarter mile track record which stood for 35 years. In 2017 he was inducted into the Galesburg Augusta High School sports hall of fame. 

He attended Western Michigan University on a sports scholarship, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1958. Thereafter, he began his teaching career in Algonac, Mi, and later returned to the area to work at Springfield Schools as a teacher, counselor, and eventually Assistant Superintendent.

While at Springfield, he continued his education, earning a master’s degree from WMU in 1965, and a PhD from Michigan State University in 1970. He left Springfield Schools to become a grant coordinator at Kellogg Community College, and then moved to the Calhoun Area Vocational Center as the Assistant Director.

Outside of work, Jerry was a member of the Springfield Lion’s Club, athletic boosters, the economic development committee, and the Boy Scouts.

In retirement he worked as an industrial trainer and consultant for numerous companies in Southwest Michigan.

Once he fully retired, Jerry and Carlene spent winters in Alabama where he was able to enjoy his outdoor activities and made many new friends. In Michigan he was a member and volunteer at the Gilmore Car Museum and spent time restoring & driving his beloved 1931 DeSoto. He also served on the Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools Foundation.

As a lifelong athlete, he continued to enjoy running, biking, canoeing and kayaking well into his late seventies.

Surviving are three sons, Thomas D. (Valerie) Inman, Dunmore, Pa, Steven W. (Kalli) Inman, Richland, and Gavin L. (Katie) Inman, Kalamazoo; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and nieces & nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four siblings, Maxine, Carlton, Lyle, and Evelyn.

A private burial will take place and a celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2025 at The Gilmore Car Museum, in Hickory Corners, MI.  In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his name to the Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools Foundation. Donation Link: http://bit.ly/GACSFoundation