James “Jerry” Gerard McNulty Jr. passed away on May 23, 2021. Jerry was born on October 12, 1938, in Binghamton, NY, to Elise and James McNulty. He graduated after several attempts from Michigan Tech University and soon left the safe enclave of upstate New York with wife Colleen to the wilds of Virginia. There they raised 4 absolutely amazing children, Kate, Lori, Terry and Michael, who doted upon their father throughout his life. Jerry was a lifelong employee of General Electric, leading the Drives Systems division for at least a million years. Late in his career he transferred to Italy to support the opening of the new Italian GE, Nouvo Pignone in Florence. Outside of work, Jerry had a great love for bad jokes, bad wine and bad beer. He excelled at coaching his children’s sports teams, building anything and cheating at cards. Jerry’s shrewd investment choices include Alpaca farming, his childrens’ educations, antique cars and extensive world travel. He enjoyed reciting poems, including The Charge of the Light Brigade, The Raven, and the Pelican limerick. “What a wondrous bird, the Pelican…”. His best times included going to races at Watkins Glen with his crazy family and friends (even though he hated NASCAR) and pulling the grand kids around on the boat, living the lake life. Jerry epitomized the idea of servant leadership, suffering through countless years of volunteering at Roanoke Valley Aquatic Association, SML Lions Club, Lake Christian Ministries and the SML Homes Tour. His patience was unrivaled, in particular tutoring his daughters in Algebra and Ph, ph, physics. He is survived by his wife, Colleen McNulty, who tolerated him for several of the 60 years of their marriage, his 4 children and their families: Kate McNulty and her spouse Jeff Johnson, Lori McNulty and her husband Ernie Sigala, Terry McNulty, Michael McNulty and his wife Mandy. He also has a boatload of grandchildren: Justin Johnson, Ciaran McNulty, Logan Pope, Sable McNulty, Caitlin McNulty, Sophia McNulty, Indy McNulty. His brothers and sisters are still hanging in there: Mary Gillette, Kay McNulty, John McNulty and wife Larraine, Gene McNulty and spouse Kathy, Terry Blood. Jerry was an amazing, brilliant man. He will be missed. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, May 27 at Resurrection Catholic Church, Moneta, Va. With Deacon Barry Welch officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior starting at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
