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Gerald "Jerry" Roth Hooper, Age: 71
Jul 29, 1954 - Aug 17, 2025

Jerry Hooper, 71, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by his wife and loved ones after a courageous battle with ALS.

 

Born in Kansas City and raised in Raytown, Missouri, Jerry began piano lessons at the age of 7, often riding his bicycle to and from lessons. He attended Raytown South High School, where he was a standout pianist and flutist in the school’s award-winning jazz band. That early love of music stayed with him throughout his life, even as he built a successful career in banking. Jerry went on to attend Central Missouri State University before beginning a career in financial services that spanned more than four decades, including leadership roles with Commerce Bank, BMO Harris, Fifth Third, and INTRUST Bank.

 

While Jerry was widely respected in his profession, he may be best remembered for the music that defined so much of his life. A jazz enthusiast and accomplished keyboardist, he founded the popular Kansas City band Brass Rewind in 2019, fulfilling a dream sparked decades earlier when he first heard Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “God Bless the Child.” Under Jerry’s leadership and steady keyboard playing, the band became a staple at festivals and events across the Midwest. The band continues drawing audiences to their feet and inspiring countless nights of dancing. 

 

Beyond his music and career, Jerry was known for his generous spirit and deep kindness. He often gave his time and expertise to family, friends, and neighbors – whether offering financial guidance or lending a hand with home projects. He was gracious, approachable, and always ready with a smile, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

 

Jerry is survived by his wife, Lisa; his daughter, and son, Ryan Kerrick; Lauren Kerrick (Tim Sentz); grandchildren, Eli and Charlotte Sentz. He is also survived by nephews Chris (Anna) Hooper, daughter Ray, and Nick (Kristy) Hooper, son Seth and daughter Macy. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Bonnie Hooper, and brother Tim.

 

Jerry’s family wishes to thank the staff at the Landon Center on Aging within the University of Kansas Health System; The Gleason Foundation; Ascend Hospice; and the ALS Association.

 

Jerry faced his diagnosis with dignity, humor, and resilience – qualities that echoed the way he lived his life. His legacy will be carried forward in the music he loved, the family he cherished, and the generosity he shared so freely. 

 

No services are planned at this time. In Jerry’s memory, please consider donations to the ALS Association, which supports research and advocacy. Also consider supporting local music, like Brass Rewind, wherever you find and hear it. 

 
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Raegan Clark Aug 20, 2025

Niece ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Uncle Jerry is remembered in my mind as always smiling. I genuinely think I never saw him without a smile, ever. That’s something that sticks with you. I love you Uncle Jerry and I love my family.

Fred McCullough Aug 20, 2025

Friend ,Independence ,Missouri

Jerry was always pleasant and good natured. May the Lord Bless him in Heaven, and Blessings to Lisa and the kids.

Max Levy Aug 20, 2025

Musician Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Sending my condolences to Lisa & family. Jerry will surely be missed. I appreciated the opportunities he gave me working with his band Brass Rewind in addition to some small group jazz work. I remember he would call the tune “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most.” Great song choice and I will always think of him when hearing it or when playing that tune. Planning to, one day, record that track as a dedicating to Jerry. He was funny, passionate, and caring. A mighty, heavy loss.

Arthur and Carmen Rinehart Aug 20, 2025

Cousin ,Olathe ,Kansas

Lisa and family, We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you . At least he is free from suffering and pain.

Mike & Vickie Hooper Aug 20, 2025

Cousin ,Dallas ,Texas

Lisa, Mike & I are heartbroken for you. Jerry always said you were better than he deserved. You had a loving, wonderful life together. Our thoughts are with you.

Linda Hooper Hodges Aug 20, 2025

cousin ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

I am so sorry for your loss. I really liked staying connected to him. He had a strong sense of family. I know he will be missed by many, including me.

DuaneCordell Aug 20, 2025

Classmate ,Independence ,Missouri

My name is Duane Cordell and I graduated with him. My deepest condolences goes to the entire family during this difficult time

Danny Keim Aug 20, 2025

Jerry will be missed by my wife and me. His friendship over the years has meant so much to us. I consider him my brother and I'm heartbroken about his passing.

Dean Dix Aug 20, 2025

Boyhood friend ,Winter Park ,Florida

The Hoopers lived on the same block, Hedges, in Raytown, that my twin brother, I, and my family lived on. We grew up together, playing together as children, he, his brother Tim, my brother Dennis and I. His father Kenny, a fine man also, sang in a barbershop quartet with my father, Max. The Hoopers were like family. Jerry, & my brother and I went through Cub Scouts, Indian Guides, and Little League baseball together. Still as children, with the help of our fathers, he, Tim, and my brother and I formed a barbershop "quartet", and sang at a show at ,the old Municipal Auditorium, MC'd by Torey Southwick, featuring another quartet from The Andy Williams tv show, known as "The Osmonds". This was pre-Donnie Osmond. Jerry once lent me his copy of a "Steve Miller Band" LP, which wasn't returned for about 2 years. It set me on a path towards being a local musician/singer in club bands on the KC music scene. A finer man than Jerry, along with his family, just doesn't exist. The hours singing, playing ball, riding bikes everywhere, and just spent growing up together were nothing short of GOLDEN. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and his audiences. See you when I get there, my cherished old pal. Thanks for being in my life. ❤️

Roger McCloud Aug 20, 2025

Friend from Countryside United Methodist Church and Raytown South ,Olathe ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Jerry will be missed by many, but will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. My mother, Hazel (Epley) McCloud grew up in Adrian, MO and went to high school with Jerry's dad. Love to Jerry's family and friends.

Juli Jarvis Aug 21, 2025

RSHS Band Friend ,Buffalo ,Wyoming

I’m saddened to hear of his passing and of your loss, though glad that he no longer suffers. I’m so thankful I got to see Brass Rewind three times. I would be at every performance if I could. I’ve admired Jerry for his music skills & kindness & gentleness since high school. This is what I sent to him when I first heard of the ALS: I was so saddened last year to hear of your physical problems. I’ve been praying for you & will continue. What you put together musically is such a blessing to all of us—to listeners & participants of brass rewind. You’ve done an amazing job with that group! I’m so glad you got to live that dream. Now you can listen to it & still enjoy it. May God bless you always! I’ve always admired your skills on the piano so much. I get to play with a jazz combo now often, but I’ll never be as good at it as you. But it’s still fun to do—thanks for the inspiration! He said he was speechless, and thanked me. Prayers for all of you. I will keep praying for you in the months to come.

Jamie Green Aug 21, 2025

friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

I met Jerry Hooper when he answered my ad to work with fellow musicians on jazz standards. Jerry was kind, friendly and a joy to play later. A few years later, I asked Jerry to come on my music interview podcast, and he agreed. He told his amazing story of not playing out for decades and how he now was loving playing out. I am so sorry to everyone who love him. I certainly will never forget him.

Chuck & Sandy Wray Aug 21, 2025

Cousin (Sandy) ,Gadsden ,AL

We send hugs and prayers and wonderful memories of a beloved cousin. Jerry - we miss you and will always hold you in our hearts...

Nancy Nunn Aug 21, 2025

Friend of Lisa ,Bonner Springs ,Kansas

He sounds like a wonderful man. Cherish your memories. Prayers are with you and family.

Linda Huval Aug 21, 2025

Cousin ,Milton ,Florida

Jerry was one of my most favorite cousins! He will truly be missed. My heart goes out to you, Lisa! You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry Dalton Aug 21, 2025

Friend ,Myrtle Beach ,South Carolina

Lisa, I don’t know how to tell you how much he meant to me over the last 22 years. I called him my brother twins. He was born the same day as my brother. He loved you very much. I called him on his birthday, leaving a voicemail of me singing him happy birthday. I knew it was getting bad when he didn’t return that call. I will miss him.

robert w kennedy Aug 21, 2025

So sorry to hear about our loss of a fine man and a musician who enlightened our little cul de sac for a number of years. We will miss Jerry, and hope your family finds many of our ferns in your back yard as our memorial to him.

Kenneth Hooper Aug 22, 2025

Cousin ,Katy ,Texas

My relationship with Jerry was limited because of living and working in Southwest Texas since 1960. I was named after one of my favorite uncles,Jerry’s dad and I proudly wear that name. I did correspond occasionally with Jerry via email and our cousin Sandy who is a blessing in keeping me informed of the Hooper side of the family. I remember when I first heard the news when Jerry was diagnosed with ALS and he was bravely fighting it with a determination to not let it interfere with the quality of his life. I wish I would have lived closer to have visited with all my cousins on special occasions such as the musical talent that Jerry had. My heart goes out to his wife and all his family and I share in their grief of Jerry’s passing.

Linda Yokelson Aug 23, 2025

Friend ,Naperville ,Illinois

So many wonderful memories of vacations, card playing marathons and loving friendship. His smile in this picture just shows it all. His kind heart, his gentle spirit and his love and loyalty. I miss my friend.