John “Jiggs” Lewis Lewis-Gentry, 74, of Medway died suddenly July 21 at Milford Regional Medical Center. He was the husband of Bonnie Lewis-Gentry for the past 45 years.
Born in Quincy, September 11, 1950, the son of the late Edward L. and Sara (Esau) Gentry, Jiggs was raised in Marshfield and had lived in Medway since 1990.
Jiggs was a graduate of Marshfield High School and also received a B.A. from Tufts University in Early Childhood Development. He talked fondly of friends and sports from his high school and college days. In his twenties there were motorcycle adventures, time with friends, and ushering that concert for the Who whose story he told many times.
Jiggs had been the Director of IT for MSP Digital for many years. His work with computers developed from a love of stereo electronics and grew over the years as he wrote his own computer programs. In his teen years he worked at a local candy shop; after college he taught elementary school and had a stint as a cab driver in Cambridge.
He loved his family and spending time with his granddaughter. He also loved hiking and ballroom dancing with his wife Bonnie. He enjoyed music, biking, F1 racing, computers, driving his convertible, and writing poetry. His love for science fiction started with his father, and he passed that on to his children. While his daughters were growing up, he was known for coaching intramural softball and shouting loudly at field hockey games.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughters, Melissa Lewis-Gentry of Hatfield and Genevieve Tocci of Arlington.
He is also survived by his siblings, Edward “Ted” Gentry, Richard “Rick” Gentry, Brian Gentry, and Karen Gentry. He is predeceased by his sisters Penelope “Penny” (Gentry) Ohrenberger and Diane (Gentry) Huddleston. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lastly, Jiggs is survived by his granddaughter Isidora, who he doted on whenever he could.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders Association, a cause close to his heart.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) Medway.