Jimmie Ray Gerst Sr. age 79 of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2019. He was born October 26, 1940 in Woodville, the son of Irven H. and Mabel V. (Allen) Gerst. Jimmie started working for Hydacker-Wheatlake Company in his teens. He began his career as a groundman/operator and retired over 40 years later as a foreman on a pole setting crew. Jimmie married Nancy Jean Bushre on June 25, 1960; they made their home and raised their family in Big Rapids. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and helping others on projects with his John Deere tractor. Jimmie is survived by his son, Jimmie (Alice) Gerst Jr. of Big Rapids; three grandchildren, Jimmie Dean (Jennifer) Gerst of Big Rapids, Jacklyn (A.J.) Hollenbeck of Canadian Lakes, Jessica Gerst of Big Rapids; three great-grandsons, Lucas and Kyle Hollenbeck and Quentin Dolbee; two sisters, Katherine (Dave) Weaver of Goodells, Janet (Alfred) Dexter of Chippewa Lake; two brothers, Walter (Joanne) Gerst of Big Rapids, John (Sherri) Gerst of Reed City; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of over 50 years Nancy on June 30, 2018. He was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Lyle. A celebration of Jimmies life will take place 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Clayton Reeves officiating. The family will greet friends two hours prior service at a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Jimmies name may be made to the Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center. Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Celebration of Life Saturday, December 14, 2019 3:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307 Visitation Saturday, December 14, 2019 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307