Gerald Eugene Blanding Jr's Obituary
Gerald Eugene Blanding Jr was born in the Bronx New York to parents Gerald and Tonielle Blanding on July 4, 1979. Gerald “AKA” Jimbob, or Pryor was raised in the Bronx with the help of his grandmother Mrs. Ruby Blanding.
As a young child Gerald was happy, rambunctious and very athletic, he is a brother to six siblings. Gerald was a runner for sure. He ran, rollerbladed , or road a bike to go wherever he needed to go. He was also quite the dancer and singer. Gerald was also a natural born comedian, jokester and somewhat of a lovable clown , coining him the nickname “Pryor“ after the late comedian Richard Pryor. He was a member and regularly attended Friendship Baptist Church between the ages of 5 until early adulthood alongside his grandmother. He sang in the choir and was very active in fellowship. Gerald also enjoyed all genres of music but his favorite were, reggae, hip hop rap, and Gospel/Christian music.
Gerald attended Stevenson High School and later attended the Job Corps Program where he earned a trade as a welder/roofer. Gerald absolutely loved working in construction but years later unfortunately his illness prevented that. So he transitioned into security work, which he also came to love.
In Gerald’s early twenties he was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis which began deteriorating his organs, severely attacking his lungs. Throughout Gerald’s life he fought everyday to live , never giving into the disease. Gerald chose not to dwell on the negative but to celebrate all the positives.
In May of 2010 Gerald met and fell in love with his wife Kijana. He moved to Los Angeles California in November of 2011. They married on January 3, 2013. Gerald instantly became a stepdad to three and later a granddad to two.
Gerald and his new family became members of Another Level Ministries in 2014 where they faithfully attended.
Gerald lived a full and complete life to the best of his physical abilities. He absolutely loved California. He was always smiling, laughing or cracking jokes. He never ever carried a frown even while sick and in pain, he was always concerned about others.
Everywhere Gerald went his smile and personality was infectious. He left good vibes every place he went.
Gerald went home to be with the Lord April 13, 2024 at 1:13 am. We all will continue to love and cherish his memories. Gerald is a son, brother, cousin, uncle, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will forever live in the many hearts he touched! Flay Away Beautiful Black Butterfly!
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