Thomas James Benjamin Gerald, lovingly known as Jamal and Jam, passed away on October 11, 2026 at the age of 46. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 30, 1980, he was the beloved son of Thomas Gerald and Eileen Gerald.

To those who loved him, he was Jam, Mal, Uncle Mal and Uncle Daddy. Each name was spoken with affection and held its own cherished memories. To his nieces and nephews, he was also the "Candy Man," the uncle who always had candy for them. That simple gesture remains one sweetest way they will remember him.

As a son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and great-uncle, Jamal held a special place in each generation of his family. His absence is deeply felt, and his place in their hearts will always remain his own.

Music was a cherished part of Jamal's life. He enjoyed artists such as 50 Cent and wrote songs of his own. In those songs, he left his family a lasting gift: a way to listen, remember, and feel close to him. When words are hard to find, his music will still be there. His songs can be shared with younger generations, allowing them to know a part of Jam through something he created.

Jamal leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Thomas Gerald and Eileen Gerald; his sisters Louv Ford and Dez Gerald; his brother-in-law, Jerry Ford; aunts on his mother's side, Iris, Pearl, Verena, and Huldah; aunts on his father's side, Sarah, Bernadine, Aggie, and Noela; his uncles, Joel, Willie, Oswald and Milton; his nieces, Janai Brown, Kyahna Robinson, Suniah Jackson, and Jahzara Jackson; his nephew, Recardo Robinson; his great-nephews: Benjamin Gerald, Kadence Stewart, and Syre Mason; his great-niece, Noa Mcormick; and lovingly remembered by a host of other nephew, cousins and close friends.

Forty-six could never feel like enough. His family grieves the years they hoped to share and treasure the times they were given. Alongside their sorrow is gratitude for his life and for the blessing of calling him their own. They will continue to speak his name, tell his stories, play his songs, and remember him with love.

With faith and tenderness, they honor Jamal as their "Angel in Disguise" and entrust him to God's loving care.

Funeral service 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Zion Memorial Baptist Church, 101 N. Dunlieth Avenue, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Family visitation 1:30 PM.