Vernon M. Jernegan died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 10 surrounded by his family. He was 81.

Born on Dec. 1, 1934 to LeMont and Ella Martin Jernegan, Vern was a lifelong resident of Edgartown. He was certainly one the most wonderful, generous people you could ever meet.

Vern enlisted with the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1955. He was most known for his more than 50 years at K.T. Galley Co. There is a very strong mutual respect between the two families. At a young age, Vern followed his father and uncle Del into the construction trade, which he would come to master. His craftsmanship graced many Vineyard homes, which he was proud of, and he enjoyed meeting many families along the way.

On June 16, 1957 he married Marilyn (Viera) of Vineyard Haven. Together they raised two beautiful children, Vera-Jean Clements (who married Albert Clements 3rd) and Clifford (who married Deborah.) Together they built their Vineyard home and lived happily. Whether it was a drive up Route 1 in Maine, through the mountains of New Hampshire, or vacationing in Naples, Fla., Vern and Marilyn appreciated the beauty of the East Coast. Vern always had his trips mapped out and knew the best hotels and places of interest. He liked calculating the gas mileage on the various Ford pickup trucks he owned throughout his life. Sadly, Marilyn lost her battle with cancer in 2000.

Vern was an avid New England sports fan. He especially followed the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed the magical Larry Bird-era Celtics days. He played baseball as a kid, a southpaw (lefthander) who played mostly at first base. It was probably around that time he earned the title Jughead, as many Islanders acquired nicknames back then. After living for a few years in Connecticut, Vern would take his young family to the stock car races at the now defunct Danbury Fairgrounds. He could often be found flipping channels between a good ballgame and a race on any given weekend.

Outside of work, family was important to Vern. Many weekends with family were spent at the pool in the backyard. His grandchildren Albert the fourth and his wife Rebecca, Erick, Summer-Anne and her husband Arilson, Laura, Alexander and his wife Eva, and Ella grew up enjoying the beautifully manicured grounds. Years later when the pool got old, sprung a leak and flooded the yard, he said “well that is enough of that.” In its place went a nice garden, still providing to those who want tasty vegetables.

In the years leading to retirement, Vern and his companion Jane made many special memories together. They both welcomed their families on each side with open arms, and Vern embraced Jane’s sons Mike and Tim Creato, Tim’s wife Joan, and her grandchildren Eva, Ethan and Sarah.

Together they were content at Jane’s home, where again Vern kept the yard in shape and even installed a fish pond. He befriended many wild animals and birds, earning the trust of squirrels who would tap on the sliding glass for peanuts at the back door. Life was simple and good for a man of the utmost kindness and integrity. He would want all to remain strong and remember him through a good story and a laugh.

The family thanks family and friends for attending his memorial service on July 22, and a wonderful send off at Katama Airfield followed. Any donations can be to Island veterans, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital or charity of your choice.