Jerry Louis "Breeze" Latin, of Rockford departed this earthly life February 19, 2025. He was born August 25, 1953 in Chidester, Arkansas the son of Joseph and Gladys Latin.  Jerry lived in Rockford since 1956 coming from Chidester. He was employed by the National Football League 5 years playing with the St. Louis Cardinal and the Los Angeles Rams. He later became a Heavy Equipment Operator by  the Winnebago County Highway Department 30 years before retiring. Jerry was a member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church. He was a member of the Jefferson Horton American Legion and former member of the Rockford Sportsman Golf Association. As a youth Jerry was great in sports receiving many awards in Football, Basketball and Baseball. While playing baseball as a youth, his team went on to the Little League World Series.  Jerry graduated from East High School class of 1971, where he excelled in Football, Track and Basketball and received his Bachelors Degree from Northern Illinois University, where he receive a scholarship for playing Football, he went on to be drafted in 1975 to the NFL, playing the first year with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jerry leaves to cherish many loving memories, two sons, Josh Latin and Jeremy Latin; one daughter, Jaime (Joe) Cortinez; three grandchildren, David Latin, Lincoln and Linden Cortinez; sister, Joyce Dismuke; brother, Bruce "Tony" Latin; a host of nieces, nephews cousins other relatives and special friends including, aunt, Joyce Latin-Smith; best friends, James Hopson and Elmo Dowd; two god sisters, Desatra Miller and Rev. Nina Pryor. He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Joe A. Latin and Dewayne Latin.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m.  Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church 3000 Rural Street. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.