Every year in May, the ham radio operators of the world would converge on Dayton, OH, for their annual flea market and convention. Jerb and I would always share a couple of flea market spots and it was my utmost fun, to find some technically esoteric treasure to purchase and drag back to our booth space. This was with the full intent to irritate Jerb. It might be some pathetically engineered antenna or useless radio, but I would expound upon its' virtues and benefits and even coerce Jerb into helping me restore it - or operate it. I am sure that he knew of my true intentions, but he never let on. At home, I have an entire 'Jerb' shelf of equipment that had no other purpose. A few of them wound up as permanent additions to his station, such as my 1900's wind up clockwork operated, morse code practice machine.

Posted by Charles Agosti, WD8AXA on February 5, 2021

JeRB was a complete stranger to me in 1999 when he sold me a knob online for the 50's era transmitter I was restoring. The price was more than fair, and he wanted to know more about my restoration. Whether it was the mutual love of radio, or the wry humor and barbs we exchanged in those first emails, I’ll never really know but we soon realized we were kindred spirits, and remained so. Soon after, we spent a lot of time on the air together, and I pursued other restorations with his wonderful guidance. I was one of countless students who looked to him as a mentor though I was over 800 miles away and only once had the good fortune to visit The House in the Woods. The breadth and depth of his knowledge of radio still amazes me, and he never failed to point out when he could not say the same about me. Like a great athletic coach, he pushed us all to do our best, to learn more, to never let up, but above all, to share the joy. He shared so much more than radio, and we were blessed to have had the privilege of knowing him. Pam and Laurin, you are in our thoughts.

Posted by Tim Martin on January 27, 2021

Many years ago a naive member of the local radio club approached Jerb about learning morse code and asked him to conduct a class. That class continued for nearly15 years. In that time Jerb taught many of us morse code and how to do it correctly. As one of the those I will be eternally greatful for his teaching and most of all his support while we stumbled through the ether. We also learned electronics and antenna building. Jerb ever generous with his time came to many a home to help with an antenna problem and in fact was the local guru on all things radio. I'll miss you Jerb

Posted by John Mathieson on January 22, 2021

I first met JeRB in the late 90s at a KARC meeting. We very quickly became friends, and it didnt take long for me to realize what a gem he was. A master craftsman and an electronics wizard...Dr. Whoopi..K8WPI. A great and giving man. We shared countless cw qsos, field days, and cups of coffee (and cookies). He helped me in so many ways. Just knowing that there was an unmitigated perfectionist on earth gave me a little hope for mankind, although he probably didn't think so! I have far too many JeRB stories to share here, and I treasure all of them. He was truly my greatest inspiration in life and I miss him dearly. JeRB was not an easy man, but everyone should realize that underneath the snark was a heart of gold. I miss you JeRB.

Posted by PHILLIP E SANDERS on January 16, 2021

I feel privileged to have known JeRB for many years. I admired his intellect and technical ability and enjoyed his somewhat "off center" sense of humor. He was a role model for amateur radio operators everywhere and "set the bar" higher than most of us could reach. I will sincerely miss him, but take solace in knowing the world is a better place because he was here. RIP JeRB.

Posted by JC Schneider on January 15, 2021

JeRB was a unique individual. He didn't always follow in the path of others; he created new paths so others who wished could follow for a time and then go their own way. He was a friend, a teacher, a mentor and a guide. He willingly shared his knowledge of electronics, his mechanical and carpentry skills and his sense of humor. Over the 42 years I knew JeRB, I worked for him and I worked with him. We shared coffee and cookies many times and told stories as we did. Over time, we went separate ways professionally, but always remained friends. Many-a-time we would visit and JeRB would share about his current restoration project or a new finding. He was a published author. I had the privilege of assisting him edit and assemble his book "The View from Earth". I enjoyed reading articles he wrote for the "Electric Radio" magazine and others. These were ways he helped others learn about the fascinating arena of electronics, satellite imagery for amateurs and Ham radio. I was not surprised when JeRB told me he had started a Thursday Night training and sharing session for a few local electronics and amateur radio enthusiasts. It was his way of helping to keep the hobby alive while creating new friends for life. JeRb has touched countless lives, directly or indirectly. Our world is a better place because he was in it for his time. He will be missed greatly.

Posted by John Loser on January 15, 2021

What a great guy. We have known JeRB and Pam for many, many years and always a good time when we got together. We even did a few road trips (Iowa, Findlay, OH) with them. Always a good time and always a great guy. Ready to help anyone, anytime, with anything. He will be missed!

Posted by Laura Raher on January 15, 2021