Jerre Lee McManama, Jr. died unexpectedly at the age of 54 in the early hours of December 31, 2021 due to sudden cardiac complications. Jerre is survived by several half-siblings and his three beloved sons, Colin, Patrick, and Murphy McManama.
Jerre was born in Fort Wayne, IN on September 10th, 1967 to loving parents Jerre McManama, Sr. and Donna McManama. After the family moved to Muncie, IN, Jerre attended Mitchell Elementary School and went on to graduate from Northside High School in 1986. He graduated from Ball State University in 1991 with degrees in Finance and Spanish, after spending a fifth year studying the Spanish language in Mexico City. During his time at Ball State, he served as president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and Homecoming King. He made many lasting friendships with his fellow fraternity brothers; around the fraternity house, he was known as "Big Jer." Jerre went on to receive his MBA in 1996 from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He was very proud of his Corporate Finance degree from Wharton and could often be seen wearing apparel from the distinguished Ivy League institution. Jerre also had an inherent love of travel and learning about new cultures. In Jerre's early life, he independently traveled to 13 European countries as well as China, South Korea, and Japan in an effort to learn more about our world. While in China, he had submitted a column to USA Today that was published regarding the protests of the death of the pro-reform Chinese Communist Party in 1989. Reflecting on his time abroad, there is no question that Jerre made an abundance of friends along the way, and his interest with worldly cultures was rooted in his desire to connect with individuals regardless of any language or cross-cultural barriers that may exist. He fondly reflected on his international travels throughout his life.
Using his degrees in finance, Jerre spent the early part of his professional career in investment banking before opting to pursue a path that allowed him to pass along his extensive educational background and life lessons to young people. This choice was to follow in the footsteps of his father, Jerre Sr., in becoming a teacher. Although this endeavor involved going back to school for a teaching degree, education was something that Jerre had a true passion for. At times, he had joked that he would willingly be a "full-time student" if it were a career option. Although the difference in financial compensation for each career was drastic, this was a decision he never second-guessed nor regretted. His decision to teach was fueled by an innate desire to guide and positively influence youth. Although he began student teaching and coaching football at Yorktown High School, Jerre devoted the majority of his career as an educator to Roncalli High School, where he enjoyed connecting with students, discovering friends in faculty, and making any individual around him laugh. He also coached football during his time at Roncalli and loved getting to know his players on a personal level. Many former players and fellow coaches remember "Coach Mac" fondly for his supportive nature, positive persona and sense of humor. It was not unusual for Jerre to have still been in touch with students and players dating back 20-plus years by sending heartfelt birthday wishes or simply reaching out. The IHSAA Football State Championships of the Roncalli Football Program in the early to mid-2000s were some of

his proudest achievements as he wore his blue championship ring until his death. The later years of Jerre's professional career included teaching at various public schools in Indianapolis, bringing his friendly and approachable nature in those environments as well. He will be dearly missed by the countless individuals that he taught and worked alongside throughout the years.
Jerre was a devoted and beloved father who cherished nothing more than spending time with his three sons. He zealously supported his sons in all of their endeavors and made his pride in them resoundingly known to many. His favorite activities with his sons included watching movies— preferably directed by Quentin Tarantino— while also attending sporting events, sharing meals together, or referencing an inside joke to elicit laughter. His sons especially appreciate him passing onto them his innate love for the Spanish language, a unique intrigue with historical documentaries, and a distinct appreciation for indie movies. Above all, Jerre's sons will miss his warm hugs and gentle words of guidance, which he often imparted to them.
A memorial Mass will take place on January 15th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Saint Roch Catholic Church followed by a social gathering in remembrance of Jerre located in the neighboring St. Roch facilities. Please send flowers to 3600 S. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46227.