Virtual Remembrances

Mr. Geral “Jerry” E. Martin

Jerry, as he was universally known, was born in Keyser, West Virginia. After graduating in education from West Virginia University, he enlisted in the Army and served for two years in Wiesbaden, Germany. He then returned to Keyser until 1964, where he taught at local schools. In 1964, Jerry accepted a teaching position at Frankfurt American High School, where he taught until the school was closed in 1995.  Over the years, he taught art, photography, humanities and archaeology – and brought great passion to his teaching. Through the Photography Club, he was also directly involved in almost every Yearbook that came out during those years. Hundreds of students were influenced by him – and told him so up until his death, in person, by letter and more recently on social media and by email.  He loved being in Europe and took advantage of the long summer breaks to travel widely, particularly to Italy and Greece, where he would visit many archeological sites. In addition to his work at FAHS, Jerry was deeply involved in many causes and groups, including Scouting, Explorers and numerous groups promoting German–American relationship. He was also very proud of his garden which included his own hybrids, such as the “Jerryberry” – a cross between American blackberries and German raspberries. Over the years, he also maintained his connection to Keyser, West Virginia where he had gone fishing with his father and son many times.  He is survived by his widow and two children.