A tribute to one of the greatest.

[Dan Chambers]

I received the news early this morning of the passing of one of the greatest guys in the club.

For years Jerry Mize has been battling different illnesses and ailments ... with never a complaint, and always the "I'll be fine in a couple days" attitude that was Jerry. So it's with a sad surprise that I've learned of his passing March 2nd.

For those of you who knew Jerry ... and there are many ... you know how outgoing, positive, and warm he was with everyone. Jerry had a beaming smile, a quick wit, and always the firm handshake of a true friend. I always regarded him as the PCASDR "Silver Fox" for his dashing style, even at the driving events.

In his dedication to the club, few will ever match his effort, energy, and enthusiasm. He worked hour after hour with driving events, the Trailer, and helping behind the scenes at the PDS, special events, and more. He was a core member of the Instructor's Corps and one of the greatest personal mentors in Porsches I've had. In all the years I knew him, I never saw Jerry get angry with anyone, get discouraged, or become negative about anything. He was the happiest guy I've known.

I met Jerry in the early part of 2001 when I began auotcrossing. We were both driving 944's in GSS class and he really went out of his way to help me, and many other drivers learn what to do. On the day I bested him a few years later, he walked over during the trailer loading at the end of the day, handed me a beer, and with a huge smile on his face shook my hand and said "You got me you Son-Of-A-Gun! You got me! Way to go, nice driving. That was great."

They don't make 'em like that anymore.

Thanks, Jerry, for making the club experience so great for me. Your legacy will live on for many, many years. I will never forget you. God Speed, ol' friend.

[Gary Burch]

That is sad news. What a class guy. I will miss Jerry.

[mrondeau]

Jerry Mize was one the greatest ambassadors for PCA SDR that I've met. He was one of my first instructors when I went through the PDS and I'll always remember how positive and upbeat he was. He was a true gentleman and I feel blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Jerry. You will be missed.

[Speedy]

Jerry was one of my instructor's and I value what he taught me. He was a true gentleman... a wonderful man.
I will miss him.

He loved the sport as we all do and I have to share this memory:
I was arriving at an Autocross and I happen to park right beside him. He was in the car just watching all of the action. I got out of my car and went over to his window and said, "Hello handsome!" and he greeted me with that smile of his and said, "Hello Speedy!" I asked if he was driving and he explained that he was not feeling well but he had come out to at least view all of the action. I think a lot of us may find ourselves there one day...

I know of a Perofrmance Driving School that he had come out to help the CDI's even thogh he wasn't feeling well. He did as much as he could that day and just said, "Well guys I'm going to go now, I'm just a little tired."

What an awesome man! A true lover of the sport and a an excellent volunteer-Jerry was very giving.

May you rest my friend. My prayers are with you and all of your family.

Katina "Speedy" Rondeau

[Carl Scragg]

Dan said it well. Jerry was just a great guy to be around – always upbeat and giving. He will be missed.

[993Panzer]

Goodbye old friend, you'll live in the memories of those fortunate enough to have known you.

[ChuckS]

Jerry was a great friend to both Debby and I. What has been said above needs no repeating as he was great to be around.

There will be a service for him Sunday evening (after the PDS). If anyone is interested in going, let me or any of the people above know and we will get you the details.

God Speed Jerry!

[galis]

Jerry was my first instructor in 2009. A first class introduction to PCA for me, and an excellent example of community building spirit in general. Everyone should be so fortunate to have an introduction like that. I wish I had the opportunity to have known him years earlier.
-George

[Autobahn]

Jerry was a great guy. Like Dan said...always had a smile on and a super positive attitude. I don't think anybody can picture his face with anything but a smile from ear to ear. I am sure he is driving a 2011 GT2 RS in the sky. We lost a great one.

RIP Jerry

[Don Middleton]

Jerry was such a complete gentleman. I'm saddened to have missed my opportunity to know him better. But, I knew him well enough to say he was a model Club member and human being.

[lrayner]

Jerry was such a low key, positive, convincing guy that when he told me that it would be a good idea for me to be co-equipment chair with him, I believed him and did it. And he was right. What a classy guy.

[Jad]

He was a true gentleman and will be missed.

[Steve Grosekemper]

Always a handshake and a smile without fail; a truely great guy.
That was just his way and a great example to us all.
He will be missed.