Gerald "Jerry" Buss

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Gerald “Jerry” A. Buss on June 29th, 2020. Jerry was 53 years young.

Jerry was born on May 18th, 1967 in Lowell MA to Harvey and Barbara Buss. He moved to Torrance CA with his family where he attended Torrance High School and UC Irvine, graduating with a bachelor’s in arts degree. Jerry’s passions while attending UC Irvine were languages (Latin) and Mathematics. He went on to obtain his teaching credential and began his teaching career in the Kansas City Public School system, Lincoln Preparatory Academy, in 1995.

To those who knew him, Jerry was truly one of a kind. He was a smart, funny and thoughtful person who was unique in so many ways. He was exceptionally loyal to those he loved. Once you earned Jerry's friendship, you had a friend for life. He always had a quick playful sense of humor. Everyone who knew Jerry had at least one laugh out loud "Jerry Story.”

Jerry grew up in a tennis family, playing tennis throughout his youth before eventually becoming a high school coach at Lincoln Prep in Kansas City. He was passionate about music, with the Grateful Dead and Neil Young among his favorites. Science fiction was Jerry's guilty pleasure. He would talk enthusiastically about technology and about what the future of mankind may hold but also enjoyed the easy camaraderie of playing dominoes with his friends.

Above all though, Jerry's life passions were teaching and coaching. His lasting legacy will always be the inspiration he brought to his students over the years. Jerry dedicated his life to his students. Over his 25-year career teaching Latin and Mathematics, Jerry helped to brighten and shape thousands of young lives.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father Harvey and survived by his mother Barbara and his two older brothers Larry and Barry (Yes, our parents did have a sense of humor).

In lieu of flowers we ask that you celebrate Jerry’s life by supporting youth sports programs and local animal rescue organizations.