Jerome Hilkert

Jerome (Jerry) W. Hilkert  age 63.

On Friday, June 4, 2021 @ 8.02 AM Jerry took his last breath on this earth and in the blink of an eye, he was and is in the arms of Jesus.   A healthy and strong man with no pre-existing conditions and taking no medications, succumbed to the scourge of COVID. 

He is predeceased by his father Frank Thomas Hilkert. 

He is survived by  wife Jill E Hilkert, Chenango Forks, NY; mother Lois E Hilkert, Bainbridge, NY ; Brother Frank (Judy) Hilkert Susquehanna, PA;  Sister Joy (Paul) Walker, Susquehanna, PA,  Sister Cindy Hilkert, Arizona,  Brother James Hilkert, Scranton, Sister Lois (Walter)Derby, Whitehaven, PA, Sons Eric Hilkert, Wilkes Barre, PA and Jeffrey Hilkert, Oswego, NY, Stepsons Aaron (Jessica) Hacker, Bainbridge, NY and Christian (Jessica)Hacker, Binghamton, NY , 14 Grandchildren - Tayler, Michael, Ian, Rileigh, Zach, Aislyn, Selene, Aaron, Serena, Mia, Fynlee, Jack, Bodhi and Hailey; Numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was a compassionate, kind, approachable, funny, sweet man.  He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and coworker.  He could carry on a conversation with a stranger as if they had known each other for some time AND he went out of his way to do so.  We jokingly called Jerry the Pied Piper of small children and animals as they gravitated to him.  The grandchildren adored him, as well as many little ones in church.  He was so gifted in maintaining old and creating new solid relationships.  Gifted as an encourager - those who knew Jerry were blessed.  

Jerry’s first love was Jesus and he showed it in the very way he lived his life.  He was able to share his faith verbally without judgement, with love and humor at the same time.   Bible study and prayer were essential every morning to start the day.  His favorite verse was Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Jerry’s favorite Bible story was of the rising of Lazarus from the dead, in John 11 and caused his eyes to well up.  He now personally knows Lazarus! 

Jerry’s second love was his wife Jill.  They were joined at the hip and they had so much fun in their thirteen years together- best years of their lives.    Hiking, camping, going for ice cream (instead of a decent lunch), gardening, travelling, eating out at his favorite diner, and getting together with family and friends were just some of things they shared.  Much time was spent reading the bible and having enlightening conversations about what they read and sharing their faith.  They recently started swimming at the YMCA -  something Jill loves and so Jerry supported her. 

Jerry was known to suddenly start singing some obscure country song related to a conversation, do an impression of Bill Clinton or come out with some silliness at the spur of the moment.   He had quite a few stories about growing up that made us shake our heads and giggle.  He’d get a glint in his eye and you knew he was about to tell you something hilarious.  Everyone has a “Jerry Story” 

Jerry loved old military aircraft, science fiction, model trains, classic cars, and the study of the universe.  He was full of fun facts about black holes, cosmic dust, astrophysics and how science actually backs up the Book of Genesis.   

Jerry loved to eat at local diners wherever he travelled.  He had a life-long sweet tooth.  A few of his favorites were ice cream sundae with peanut butter, marshmallow and chocolate sauce (trifecta of sundaes!) all things maple flavored, pecan pie with whipped cream, dark chocolate dipped in peanut butter, and a piece of peanut butter pie with breakfast. 

Jerry has touched the lives of so many people and he will be greatly missed. 

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday June 12, 2021 at Landmark Church 126 Court St. Binghamton, NY 13901, parking in the rear. There will be no visiting hours. Light lunch for family and friends will follow at the Church after the Service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to GoFundMe Campaign. The funds raised will help cover the costs of all aspects of burial.  It will also help Jill through the next few months of just picking up pieces.    https://gofund.me/cb1fdf65 

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