Jerrold M. Gaskins passed away peacefully at 70yrs old on September 18th, 2026, surrounded by his children and wife at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. His funeral service will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery at 11 am, on Monday, September 28th.

Jerry was born on January 8th, 1956, in Arcadia, Florida. Jerry worked with his hands; he was a master carpenter. He has worked on restoring old wooden chests, desks, and many others. He’s created bookshelves, tables, mirrors, clocks, and he even helped build a Woody Wagon. He was a teacher at DeSoto County High School, teaching his passion of woodworking. Jerry dedicated his life to his passion, and there are pieces of him and his work all over Arcadia, Florida and surrounding towns. He also loved to play golf and did so every chance he could.

Jerry was an artist. Whether it was sketching, painting, or even creating homes in video games, his art was as masterful as his woodworking, and it could stand alongside any great painting you’d find in a museum. His love for nature, wildlife, and animals is unmatched. He loved the woods, the beach, the mountains, any landscape that existed he would look at it and fall in love with it. He loved sunny days and thunderstorms that raged into the night. This world was art to him, and he loved being part of it.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Gaskins, and his three children. Taylor Gaskins, Alora Gaskins, and Jerrold J. Gaskins. And his stepchildren, Rowdy Sullivan and Dustin Sullivan.

Jerry Gaskins will be remembered for many things. He lived a remarkable life full of love, hope, warmth, and passion. His family mattered more to him than anything in this world, and his love and dedication to God guided every step he took on this earth. His humor, kindness, love and unwavering faith were gifts to this world and to anyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Friends and family are invited to Oak Ridge Cemetery on September 28th, 2026, at 11 a.m.