Funeral services for Jerald "Jerry" Edward Ailes, age 77, of Newark, will be held at 1 pm Friday, February 21, 2025, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N 21st, St. Newark, Ohio 43055. Friends may pay their respects one hour prior to the service. A graveside service with military honors presented by the Licking County Veterans Alliance will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery immediately following the funeral service, Chaplain Brian Humphreys officiating.

Jerry passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Selma Markowitz Care Center. He was born in Lancaster, Ohio on May 5, 1947, to the late Walter Edward and Elizabeth Ann (Danison) Ailes.

He is survived by his sister, Cathy Ailes-Dunlap of Applegate, Oregon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dan Ailes.

Jerry was a graduate of Lancaster High School, class of 1966. Shortly after graduation, he entered into the military. Jerry served in Vietnam from 1966-1967 as a tunnel-rat with the First of the Twelfth Calvary. Following his military service, he became a Jockey. He traveled around the United States competing in horse racing with a total of 843 wins in his career. After retiring as a jockey, he went on to raise many horses on his personal farm, Lazy A Acres. Not only did he love his horses, but he cared for many other animals such as cats, dogs, cattle and peacocks. Jerry also had a passion for collecting cars, old and new. He spent many weekends competing in car shows with his best friend Terry Dugan. Jerry was the kind of person who lit up a room. His optimism and vibrant personality will never be forgotten and is dearly missed.