Jerry Donald Burwell's Obituary
Jerry Burwell the love of my life, best friend, husband for 49 years, father and grandfather passed away peacefully early Monday morning, October 28th, at the age of 85.
Known for his slam-dunk one liners, wit and fertile mind, Jerry was an enigmatic man, beloved by family and friends.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio he moved with his family to La Jolla at 17, with his mother Jane Burwell and father Don Burwell who pursued his engineering career at Teledyne Ryan. Jerry graduated from La Jolla High in 1956 and played on the football and baseball team. He graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Business & was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Jerry joined the Navy in 1963 during the Vietnam War. He was sent to Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and served as an officer. He spent another 6 years in the reserves.
Jerry opened John Bull, the first of 3 restaurants he owned in San Diego in 1972. After Jeani and Jerry spent their honeymoon in Hawaii, he saw a fortune waiting, and opened his Crab Catcher Restaurant’s in Maui, La Jolla, Oahu, Bend, Oregon and Plantation Gardens in Kauai.
Jerry loved sports and enjoyed coaching his boys in soccer and baseball. He was the president of Albion Soccer Club & owned the Nomads semi-pro soccer team. The family skied and vacationed in Hawaii with all 6 boys in tow.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Jeani Burwell. The Burwell's are a blended family of six sons. Rob (Auburn), Jason (Annie), Ryan (Michelle), Jon (Kelli), Jeremy, Justin (Miteesha). Twelve grandchildren: Lucy, Allison, Kaylee, Charlee, Zarea, Zoey, Danielle, Emma, Harriet, Evan, Finley & Jack.
Jerry loved good wine and food, family dinners and hosting dinner parties. He was in charge of the Thanksgiving dinners and making his St. Patrick’s Day feast where he served his famous homemade Irish soda bread. The children loved when he made homemade ice cream, especially the lavender flavor. Jerry was born on Christmas day and loved celebrating with his family. On Halloween he loved putting on his costume, happily passing out treats.
Jerry was a real patriot who loved his country and freedoms we enjoy as citizens. Family and friends loved his massive collection of Koi fish he collected over 40 years in his outdoor pond.
Jeani and Jerry traveled often, played golf and took long walks with their beloved Labrador Retrievers.
A private scattering of his ashes will be held at sea on January 18th with a celebration of life following. Jerry will be missed by many and was an inspiration to all.
The family would like to request a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate A special thanks to the “Pals” on the second floor at The La Jolla Belmont.
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