It is with great sadness that I must share the news of the passing of our dear Brother Jerry Gumbeaux Jones, who swung off his mooring for the last time on September 13. Brother Gumbeaux was a cherished pillar of our fraternity. He and Jill graced many Zafarranchos around the world in their younger years.
Brother Jerry Jones “Gumbeaux” passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 13, 2024. Jerry is survived by his wife Jill.
Jerry joined the Brotherhood of the Coast with the Houston table in the mid 90s while living at Waterford Harbor Marina, League City, Texas. In the late 90s Jerry and Jill sailed their boat to Florida, settling in Sarasota where he transferred his flag to the new Sun Coast Table. Jerry was very active with the table and credited with being instrumental with its early success. Seeking a cooler climate, Jerry and Jill later moved to Black Mountain, North Carolina. Once established, Jerry sought out the nearest Brotherhood table and transferred his flag to the Savannah Table. Over the years Jerry helped to make Black Mountain a significant outlier of the Savannah Table helping to recruit new Brothers, and with Jill’s considerable help, offered many boucans and mini-zafs to the Savannah Table and many Brothers who gladly diverted through North Carolina in their travels. After many years in Black Mountain, Jerry and Jill relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas to be closer to family and added benefit of being able to spend spend more time with close and dear friends Brother Mark and Jill Brown.
Jerry was known for his hospitality and his considerable expertise at the grill and in the kitchen. He wrote and published several cookbooks. He will missed by his many friends, Brothers, and family.
Jill,
Julie and I are so saddened to learn of your loss. Jerry is a legend to our table and he will always be fondly remembered on the Suncoast.
Orza!
Joe Vermeren
aka Flaco