This site is dedicated to the life of James F. Gerrits.  Born in Oshkosh, WI in 1921, he graduated from high school in Ferguson, Mo.  Soon after the outbreak of WWII, he dropped out of West Chester State Teachers College (PA) enlisting in the Army Air Corps.  He flew as co-pilot in B-24 Liberators, switched to fighters (P-47), and became a test pilot at Wright-Patterson Field in Dayton, OH.  Upon discharge in 1946, he attended Michigan State, but transferred to Creighton University where he earned his M.D. 

Doc Gerrits practiced as a general practitioner and surgeon for more than 40 years.  He married Lois Marie Evans in 1949.  They raised eight children and ran a medical practice and other small businesses over the years.  He served as Mayor of St. Clair, Michigan and as a County Commissioner.  He ran for State Representative and State Senator.  He was massively involved in and led many community organizations.  Never afraid to share his opinion, he was admired and despised.  As one newspaper article put it,  “Either you love Jim Gerrits or you dislike him intensely.”  But there is no question, Doc Gerrits was a man of integrity and devotion; to his family, his community, and his country.  He lived a full life. 

Doc passed away in 2006.  This site is a way for his family to learn about and celebrate his life.