Jerry D. Sokolosky

Attorney Jerry D. Sokolosky, 78, of Oklahoma City passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2015. He was born in OKC on April 12, 1937 to the late Imogene (née Koelsch) and Joe Sokolosky. Jerry was educated in both OKC and Shawnee and graduated from OU College of Law in 1963. While in law school, he organized a research team of students for Eugene Matthews, the attorney representing pioneering civil rights leader Clara Luper, who, along with the NAACP Youth Council, led the successful 1958 Oklahoma City sit-in protests at lunch-counters. He was a partner with the firm Able Musser Sokolosky and Clark for decades. Jerry was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1964 as a Democrat, representing the 97th District until 1968. After leaving the House, he continued his role as a civic and business leader. In 1976, Jimmy Carter stayed with Jerry and his family during the presidential primary. Later, President Carter would appoint him to the Judicial Selection Committee. Notably, Jerry also served as State Chairman of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency and as a Hearings Judge for the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission. He was also the organizing attorney for new charters for five state community banks. In addition, he was a contender several times for the Congress of the United States. He authored numerous articles for the Law Review and the suspense novel Politics Money and Drugs. Jerry was an avid pilot and often flew his own plane. He owned racing horses and race cars. He was also an avid SCUBA diver and snow skier. Jerry was a man with deep affection for the poor and disadvantaged and had a great heart. Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Sokolosky. He is survived by a brother and two sisters: Ed Sokolosky of Harlingen, TX; Carol McCamey, Debbie Fleming & son-in-law Paul Fleming, all of Edmond. Additionally, Jerry leaves behind two daughters and their husbands, Cindy & Ray Gaytan of Encino, CA, and Cheryl & David Woodcock of Punta Mita, Mexico and Beverly Hills, CA; along with five grandchildren: Callie, Alexandra and Mackenzie Gaytan; and Skyler and John David Woodcock. Memorial Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at Smith & Kernke N. May Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Gregory's University c/o Marketing and Development Department, 1900 W. MacArthur Street, Shawnee, OK 74804.