Jerry Martin Harkness, of Marcellus passed away Sunday October 4, 2015 at home. Born in Syracuse to the late James and Margaret Harkness, Jerry was a graduate of Marcellus Central Schools in 1959 and Cornell in 1963. Jerry received the National Collegiate Judging Team Highest Score Oral Reason. Jerry was a top breeder of registered Brown Swiss Cattle. He was also nationally recognized as a judge of the Brown Swiss Breed, and served on the Board of Directors of the National Brown Swiss Association. He had a passion for youth sports and coached youth basketball for several years. Early in his career, Jerry served as a farm loan officer for First Trust Bank. Jerry is survived by his wife, Judy, of 45 years; children Jeffrey (Tracy) Harkness and Kimberly (Robert) Bishop both of Alpharetta, GA, and Jarron (Margaret) Harkness of Charlotte, NC., grandchildren Benton, Landon, Kaitlyn, Aiden, Logan, Ethan, Caroline, and Eleanor. He also leaves behind his sister Dawn Harkness, aunt Elsie Currie, sister-in-law Maureen Harkness and 3 nieces. He was predeceased by his brother James Harkness. Calling hours for Jerry will be from 4-6:45 p.m. Thursday October 8 at the Plis Funeral Home, 33 North St., Marcellus with a service to follow at 7 p.m.. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Marcellus. Read Jerry Harkness's Obituary and Guestbook on www.plisfuneralhome.com.