ARNETT, Jerome (Jerry) Emerson

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Friday, March 07, 2014 Jerome Emerson Arnett, known by most as Jerry, entered eternal life on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, after a battle with cancer. Jerry was 76 years old, the youngest of the four children of the late Jim (James) and Gladys Arnett of Cincinnati, Ohio. Jerry is survived by six children, Holly (and husband Harry), Kristin, Georgiana (Gia) (and husband George), Andrew (and wife Chandra), Brian (and wife Shelia) and Michelle (Shelly) (and husband Andy); a brother, Ronald (and wife Jo); 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Wilhemine (Mia); his parents; his wife, Rita Fresquez Arnett; his sister Deloris; and his brother Jack. Jerry was a self-made man early in his life, but later in life, he realized that he needed to firmly place his destiny in God's loving hands. He discovered not to worry about the things he could not control. For 30 years, he was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and greatly celebrated his sobriety. He sponsored others in AA, laying out the hard facts for those considering or maintaining sobriety: "AA isn't a smorgasbord." As an AA sponsor, he was instrumental in the recovery of many, living his life as a testament of recovery to leading many to sobriety. He was well respected for his counsel and greatly loved for his assistance to others. As he often said, "Do it right, or don't do it at all." Jerry was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lived his adult life in California, Texas and Arizona. His friendships were important to him. All who knew Jerry knew he was there to help them even when they thought they didn't need it. He enjoyed traveling with his dogs. Often he would jump in the car and go, visiting new and favorite places and friends. He also relished being generous to others, and lightening people's mood. "I'm fantastically wonderful" was his favorite saying when asked how he was. Jerry was a resident of Spring Valley, and previously resided in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Green Valley, Sahuarita and Sun City West. He retired as a real estate broker, where he truly enjoyed making the deal. He had owned his own brokerage as well as having been part owner of Savings4URealty. His family and friends will have a Celebration of Life service at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3950 N. Valorie Drive, Prescott Valley, on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Stepping Stones Agencies of Prescott Valley or The Good Samaritan Society - Marley House Prescott, Ariz., in his memory. Information provided by survivors.