Jerry Thames

June 13, 1941 – February 25, 2025

Mr. Jerry Thames, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully in Joliet, Illinois, on February 25, 2025 at the age of 83. Born on June 13, 1941, in Meridian, Mississippi, Jerry was the son of the late William (b. 1900) and Hattie Thames who escaped a life of sharecropping in 1936. William was the sixth generation of the Jack (b. 1822) and Rachel (b. 1837) Thames’ family line in Mississippi and descended from their daughter Frances Thames (b. 1855). He proudly carried his lineage with strength and determination throughout his life.Jerry was united in marriage to his beloved wife Berdia Mae Sloan on March 16, 1963. Together, they built a life full of love and shared accomplishments. In 1969, they made the courageous decision to leave their home in Mississippi, moving north to Chicago during the Great Migration in search of better opportunities. They later settled in Joliet, Illinois, where they raised their three daughters, Stephanie Ponchetia (b. 1964), Jackie (b. 1969), and Tiffany (b. 1975), before residing in New Lenox.

Jerry was part of a generation of pioneers in his family. He and his siblings became the first in the Thames family to obtain bachelor’s degrees. Jerry earned his degree in education from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. This achievement was a testament to his perseverance and strong desire to improve his and his family’s life, regardless of barriers.

Over the years, Jerry and his wife Berdia demonstrated an exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and created a lasting legacy in Joliet, becoming one of the few Black business owners on the East Side of Joliet. Together with his wife, he built an impressive business portfolio under the Jerdia Corporation that included a hundred rental apartment units; a dry cleaner and a laundromat; a gas station; a soul food restaurant; a fast-food restaurant called Kalah’s named after his first grandchild; and their grocery store J&B Food Mart, in which Jerry and Berdia owned and operated for over a quarter of a century. Collectively, they became role models for the community. His hard work and dedication laid a foundation for future generations.

Jerry was also a longtime member of the Brothers of Soul motorcycle group based in Joliet. He enjoyed riding his Honda motorcycle with his matching helmet on, wearing a black leather jacket with music blasting from his radio. He once drove Berdia on an adventurous motorcycle ride to Mississippi. He rode his motorcycles until the end of his life.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Berdia Thames; his three daughters and their husbands: Stephanie Ponchetia Renee Thames-Harris (Marc Harris), Jackie Thames-Roper (John Roper), and Tiffany Latorya Thames Copeland (Kennard Copeland); his grandchildren, Kalah, Sekaya (Haikeem), and Akeila, and great grandchildren Mekai and Kali; his twin brother, Perry Thames (Lillie) and their three children Camille, Perry Jr., and Craig; and his other nephews and nieces: Keisha and Darryl; Cheere and Paul; Cletis, Regenia, Tangela, Katrina, and Robert Jr.; Glenda Faye; Danielle and Jeffrey; Edward and Stanley; and a host of great nephews and great nieces, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hattie Thames, and his siblings—Alexander Thames (b. 1926), Katherine Thames-Giles (b. 1928), Frank Thames, Robert Thames (b. 1931), William Thames Jr. (b. 1936), Lane Thames (b. 1945), and Dorothy Thames-Cullum (b. 1947).

The Thames family will forever cherish the memory of Jerry Thames-an American whose vision, work ethic, and love for his family shaped the course of their lives. He was a trailblazer who exemplified the American dream through hard work, education, and entrepreneurship. His legacy lives on through his family and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Jerry Thames. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of those you loved. 

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