1st Sergeant Jerry James Mell

1st Sergeant
Jerry James Mell
United States Marines, Retired
February 20, 1934 ~ November 15, 2024

Jerry James Mell, age 90, passed away quietly and comfortably on November 15th, 2024, at the Arizona State Veteran Home in Tucson, Arizona. He was born on February 20, 1934, to Joseph and Icle Mell in New Carlisle, Indiana. He was one of 11 children and attended New Carlisle High School. Jerry joined the United States Marine Corp in 1954 and worked his way up through the ranks becoming a Marine Drill Instructor in San Diego and retired in 1973 as a First Sergeant, “Gunny”. Jerry was extremely proud of his service as a Marine and served two tours in Vietnam where he received the bronze star with combat V, a Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

After Jerry retired from the Marines, he worked at a few different occupations and then opened Mell’s Diner in New Carlisle with his brothers Jack and Joe. After fully retiring, Jerry enjoyed many hours playing golf, riding his bike and attending the yearly drill instructor’s reunions in San Diego. In 2002, Jerry took first place at the drill instructors reunion push up competition at the age of 78. Jerry moved to Arizona in 2021 and kept his own apartment until moving into the Arizona State Veteran home in 2024.

Jerry was a proud member of the American Legion for 52 years and received an award from the American Red Cross for donating blood for many years. Jerry is remembered for being a generous and caring person with a great sense of humor, (sometimes dry) and a deep love for all his family members. Nancy, his wife of 35 years, passed away on July 28th, 2024. His first wife, Adrienne, passed away on November 17th, 2007. He is survived by his son, Kris (Dianne), and daughters Kimberly (Kim), Kyra (Russ) and Melanie (David). His stepchildren Betsy (Steve), David (Michele) and Mark. Jerry was predeceased by his stepdaughter Suzanne. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and is survived by his brother Tom and sister Pam. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. Jerry will be interred in the columbarium at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

The family wishes to give thanks to the staff at the Arizona Veteran Home in Tucson, Arizona, for the care and compassion Jerry received while residing there.

In lieu of flowers, and as a memorial to Jerry, the family asks that his family and friends reach out to a family member and express their love to them. He will be greatly missed.

Semper Fi Marine. Until we meet again.

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