In memory of Jerry Hill

Jerry Hill passed away yesterday just before his surgery on the 26th of March. Jerry was a good friend of mine. I haven’t seen him in some time, but I will always appreciate what Jerry did for me. He also played saxophone in our praise team at Grace Covenant Church in Laurel, Mississippi. There were four of us in the horn section. We called ourselves the four “Monsieurs”. We really had great times. Jerry taught me a great deal about sax. Much of my technique comes from the things that he showed me. He also shared with me proper care and handling of the sax. He saw great potential in me when I was young and just starting. Jerry always gave me mouth pieces to try out and new reeds to sample. Beyond all the help and support Jerry was to me, he was also a great friend. He was quite a bit older that I (in his 70’s to be precise) To us he was one of the guys. Good sense of humor, excellent saxophonist, loving husband, great friend and most of all strong Christian.

One thing that will always stay with me is how he helped me and saw promise in me. Jerry was a mentor to me. He taught me that we all have something to pass to this next generation. Whether it be skills, wisdom, encouragement or just support, it is important to invest into the future generation. I am challenged to carry on and reach out to this generation and teach them the things I have learned through my experiences. I am truly going to miss Jerry. I actually thought about him yesterday. I wanted to go and see him after his surgery. I am currently in Orlando, Florida and will be returning Monday the 27th. I am going to miss the grave side service today, but my heart and prayers are with the family. Jerry, I love you man. I know you are playing that sax in a more powerful way that we could never imagine. Good bye dear friend.

Daniel