William Frederick Jurist, known as “Bill” to most, was born on January 5, 1947, in
Highland Park, Michigan, to Doris and Gustave Jurist. As a young boy, Bill exhibited
a passion for math and science and excelled in school, earning honors at every
level of his education. He was a pioneer in early computing in the 1960s and
worked in database systems development at Goal Systems International, Columbia
Gas, and Chemical Abstracts Service. Bill was masterful in building hardware
systems and computer programming and was instrumental in establishing database
systems for both eNet, Inc. and Columbus Micro Systems.
As a self-taught Systems Engineer, Bill used his vast technical skills to enrich the
lives of countless local entrepreneurs and members of his community – which
included serving as a guest lecturer at Columbus State Community College. Bill
also facilitated seminars across the United States and internationally, including a
stint in Australia.
His love for computing extended beyond the office. Bill could often be found tutoring
many young people in mathematics, science, and computers – and also helping his
children create elaborate reports and science fair projects. Bill’s love and dedication
to mentoring youth inspired many to pursue careers in Computer Science.
In 1968, Bill met the love of his life, Erena, at a ping-pong tournament at the YMCA.
They wed on February 28, 1970. Bill, born Jewish, accepted Christ in 1976 and was
baptized at Hall’s Memorial Temple C.O.G.I.C. – the church his wife’s grandfather
founded and in which Bill was a devoted member for many years. In 1986, Bill was
ordained as an elder in the Church of God in Christ under Bishop Robert S. Fields.
He was appointed to serve as a board member of the Ohio North First Jurisdiction
Publishing Board and as a member of the State Administrative Committee.
Bill’s passion and love for graphic design led him to start his own company, Jurist
Graphics, in the mid-1980s. Affectionately known as “Billy Gadget,” Bill loved the
latest and greatest technology. Additionally, Bill served tirelessly as a longtime
graphic designer for his church, creating impeccable event programs – deploying
his specialized skills to glorify God.
Upon retirement, Bill transitioned his membership to the Church of Christ at
Genessee Avenue, where he was an active member of the Golden Wisdom Senior
Ministry, Men’s Bible Study, and Men’s Ministry. He also worked diligently with the
B.R.E.A.D. Organization, managed the audio equipment to provide optimal sound
throughout church services and read scriptures for Bible study and worship
services.
Bill loved his family, friends, and church family and was happiest when he was
spending time with them. Bill also loved music and movies like Avatar and the
James Bond 007 series. He was a true Trekkie as well.
Bill was a devoted husband and father. He leaves to cherish in his memory his wife
of 52 years, Erena Jurist, his five children, Níel Jurist, René Jurist, Uri Jurist, Esq.,
Othni Turner (James), and his son William Jurist (Amanda); his grandchildren,
Gihon Jurist, Caleb Turner, Viviana Turner, Ava Jurist and foster daughter,
Memuna Kondeh. Bill is preceded in death by his daughter, Stoi Johnson.
Bill will forever live in our hearts and minds.
Humbly submitted by
The Jurist Family
Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Friday, August 12, 2022 at Church of Christ, 1889 Genessee Ave 43211.
Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.
Click Here To View Program
I ask that the Jurist family please accept my condolences for the loss of Mr. Jurist. I know that losing him is a hard pill to swallow. Please cling to the many memories that you have of his love for each of you. Blessings to you all.
To the family of Bro.Jurist my prayers and condolences. A kind and Loving man as I remember him.
I too offer my condolences for your loss. Bill was such a genius and way ahead of his time. We graduated from Westerville high school in 1964. Blessings to you all.
It was sad news to hear that Bill left this earth, but happy for him to be in the presence of our Lord. Bill was always so energetic, fun, smart, a bold witness for Christ, and yet humble. I enjoyed his friendship while working with him at Columbia Gas. I’m sure he will be missed greatly by the many whose lives he touched.
My sincerest condolences and prayers to the family of William ‘Bill’ Jurist. I am praying for you all as you say goodbye to Mr. Jurist. Many blessings to you all.
Sending love and peace to the Jurist family. Your father is a wonderful man! His love and intelligence is seen in the beautiful Jurist family.
Sending love and comfort in this time of loss and transition. What a beautiful legacy shared in video, we can only imagine magnitude of beautiful memories such a wonderful family has to share of your time with him.
Be blessed and be well.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy from the McCruter-Polk family. To the Jurist family, “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” Neil, we love you and your family. We honor the memory of your father. We are lifting you all up in prayer. We love you!
I only had a few interactions with Mr. Jurist over the course of the years but what I remember from each was his warmth, kindness, and his smile. I am not able to be with you all today but I am sending an abundance of love and prayers from here. Love you all.
My heartfelt condolences to the Jurist family. May the memories of your loved one give you joy and comfort.
Dear Niel and Jurist family, I extend my sincerest condolences to you. I pray for comfort ad peace in the knowledge that you will see him again. Lord bless you all.
My most heartfelt, sincere, and genuine condolences are extended to my undergraduate Alumni and Greek Sister, THE Ohio State University Alumna Niel and her entire family. I pray that you all find solace in all the memorable memories made and shared between you and Mr. Jurist… As well as, know and trust that his spirit forever lies in you…