Jerry Kyles

Jerry Kyles was born on September 6, 1948, in Itta Bena, Mississippi. He was the oldest child of William Otis and Martha J. Kyles. He came to Cincinnati at the age of two and lived with his grandmother. He resided in Cincinnati his entire life. He was baptized at the age of 12, at the First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills, by the late Reverend B.E. Edmondson.

Jerry attended various public schools in the Cincinnati area, graduating from Withrow High School in 1966. He was very active in sports, being a member of the varsity football and track teams, lettering all sports. After graduation, he worked different jobs in the area before joining the Cincinnati Police Division in 1972. He attended the University of Cincinnati for approximately two and one-half years, studying Criminal Justice. He also attended the University of Louisville for a year, studying Internal Investigation Techniques.

In 1973, he married Joyce and through that union, Charmaine Nicole and Jerry Lamar Kyles were born. He was very proud of his children, being able to see them graduate from college. He was blessed to have Joyce in his life for 51 years. He was very active with the youth, coaching football, baseball, and basketball, while attending to his Police responsibilities. He coached for approximately 16 years, winning several local and national championships.

Jerry held positions ranging from Patrolman to Lieutenant at various districts throughout the city. He was a dedicated member of the Fraternal Order of Police and participated in many other affiliations.

He received many awards throughout his career. He was also elected to the Executive Board of the Sentinel Police Association. After serving for 27 and one-half years, he retired at the rank of Police Lieutenant. He was also employed by the U.S. Marshall Service for approximately 17 years after retiring from the Police Department.

Jerry was a gracious charitable giver in the com-munity. He joined Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the late Reverend J.D. White and was an active member of the Trustee Board. Later, he became a member of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he was appointed as Deacon under Reverend Damon Lynch, Jr. He was diligent in his church duties, always willing to help where needed.

Jerry took pride in his appearance. He had a passion for clothes and keeping his cars clean and running well. He loved watching sports in his cave, listening to music and collecting movies. He knew no strangers, but was cautious and sometimes guarded. One of his best friends was Charles H. Ross, Jr., whom he had known since the age of nine.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, William Otis Kyles Sr.; his mother, Martha J. Kyles; daughter, Jill (Chris) Todd; and three siblings, William Otis Kyles, Jr., Ophelia Kyles and Alice Kitouni.

He is survived by: his wife, Joyce; his children, Charmaine and Jerry Lamar; three grandchildren; two godsons; two sisters, Oatis Anne-Fisher and Terri Kyles-Smith; one brother, Tim Kyles; two sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and numerous friends.

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