Jeremy Johnston B’95 shares his memories about Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J.
I last saw Fr. Jerry on Monday, March 17. He asked, “When will I see you again?” I told him I would be back in a few days and update him on how football workouts were going. He said, “I will be here.”
More than 34 years ago I met Fr. Jerry. I started at Bellarmine in 1991, a Protestant from the public school system. Fr. Jerry introduced me to Bellarmine in his role as my freshman football coach and freshman counselor. This marked the beginning of a 34-year relationship that became much more than just a coach and counselor.
As I moved through Bellarmine, college, post graduate study, marriage, careers, and fatherhood, Fr. Jerry acted as a foundational presence. He continued in his role as coach and counselor, but he became so much more. He officiated my wedding (to the extent a Catholic priest can officiate over a non-Catholic’s wedding). He showed a genuine interest in my wellbeing and my family. He grew close to my extended family. He coached freshman football with my dad for over 30 years and made a pact that neither he nor my dad would step down without the other doing the same. I am forever grateful that my children (Drake, Cole, and Birk) had the opportunity to grow close to Fr. Jerry during their time at Bellarmine.
All said, my fondest memory of Fr. Jerry came during a time of great worry and uncertainty. On June 11, 2003, my first son, Jackson, was born significantly premature and clinging to life. Within minutes of his birth, Fr. Jerry arrived at the NICU unit at Tacoma General Hospital. At the request of my wife and I, Fr. Jerry baptized Jackson. Three days later Jackson passed away. While the passing of Jackson is an earthly scar that remains, the baptism of Jackson is a treasured heavenly blessing.
I miss Fr. Jerry. I selfishly wish I could spend more earthly time with my coach, my counselor, and most of all, my good friend. While I will continue to miss Fr. Jerry, I will treasure the memories.
Fr. Jerry would often bring up Jackson and his baptism. He would say, “You know . . . ; Jackson is Catholic.” I would always respond telling him that I knew, and I loved that about Jackson.
Fr. Jerry’s last words to me were, “I will be here.” He always was.
With Fr. Jerry’s passing, it gives me comfort to know that he is with Jackson. Thank you, Fr. Jerry. May your friendship grow. God bless.
