Jerry Russom; Retired Physical Education Chief
Jerry R. Russom, the former head of physical education for the Los Angeles Unified School District, has died at a Pasadena hospital. He was 82.
A resident of Glendale, he died Wednesday of complications from heart disease and Parkinson’s disease, said his wife, Jean Russom.
Born in Broken Bow, Neb., Russom earned a bachelor of science degree in 1931 and a master of arts degree in 1939, both from UCLA, where he was a quarterback for three seasons during his undergraduate years.
In 1936, he began teaching physical education, math and science at Lincoln High School in East Los Angeles. He coached football and track at Lincoln. He transferred to Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga in 1948. In 1950, he became supervisor of physical education programs for the school district.
He retired in 1970 and later served as president of the California Assn. of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
An avid mountain climber, he was a longtime member of Sierra Club and had climbed more than 100 peaks.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years; son Bill Russom of Palm Springs; daughters Susan Russom of Sierra Madre and Marianne Stoner of Menlo Park, Calif.; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
A memorial service is being planned. The Neptune Society in Burbank is handling the arrangements. Donations can be made in Russom’s name to the American Heart Assn.
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