Gerald James Irwin

Gerald James Irwin, age 80, of Claymont, DE passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017 in Wilmington, DE.

Gerald (Jerry) was raised in Chester, PA, son of the late George and Margaret Irwin. He was an acclaimed freelance photographer whose work appeared in National Geographic, Saturday Evening Post, Life and Sports Illustrated among others. He also published a half-dozen coffee table books and many calendars and was well known for his intimate photography of the Amish where he lived among them for 21 years. Jerry was also known for chronicling his two passions – skydiving and motorcycles. His large body of skydiving photography will reside at the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame. Before his photography career, Jerry was one of the railroad’s youngest engineers at age 35, running the prized route “Golden Trail” between Washington and New York.

Jerry served in the Army 11th Airborne and was a member of the Herd Motorcycle Club and United Parachute Club with over 2,000 jumps.

In addition to his parents, Jerry is predeceased by his brothers; Carl Irwin and Gordon Irwin. He is survived by his daughter Geri Irwin Clem and grandchildren Avalon, Morgan and Richard; stepdaughter Laurie Lawson; stepson William Gray; sister Eileen Zadorzany; and long-time love Janice Kinghorn.