Bainbridge resident Jerry Minkus, age 81, died Jan. 12 at Island Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Chicago Jan. 23, 1920. His mother was Jack Benny’s first cousin.

He moved to Southern California as a teenager, and worked in the family’s plastics distribution business.

During WWII, he served in the Navy in Europe and the Pacific theaters as a gunner’s mate aboard several warships, including the USS Maddox and USS Waukesha.

After the war he re-entered the plastics business, supplying the cartoon industry with the acetate cells used for inking and painting in animation. He retired around 1980.

He lived in Southern California most of his adult life, spending most of the last 25 years in Palm Desert.

He moved to Bainbridge Island in 1999.

He was an avid golfer and was known for his sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Maurine (Friedman) Minkus, in 1999.

He is survived by son Ken Minkus and daughter-in-law Nancy of Bainbridge Island; daughter Jerrine Rowley and son-in-law David of Novato, Calif.; three grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, a great grandson, and three step-great-grandchildren.

A remembrance of his life will be held on Bainbridge Island at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kass Funeral Home.