Jimmy Gerken was everyone's best friend, especially in East Grand Rapids where he embodied the spirit of sports at the local high school for over 35 years serving as a team manager and No. 1 fan.
Although born developmentally disabled, he became a leading and popular citizen in his community and could be found encouraging the Pioneers at nearly every sporting event. He is remembered for his enthusiasm for life, positive attitude, friendship, kindness and willingness to serve others.
He was a lovable icon as one newspaper writer described him following his death in 2002 at the age of 52. He was best known by his nickname Kabookie. Kabookie Week is celebrated each year at East Grand Rapids High to make students aware of his legacy of kindness and spirit, and a Jimmy Gerken Fund supports athletics and co-curricular activities.
A bronze statue is located at the Jimmy Gerken entrance to the football stadium at the high school. The statue captures the smiling and waving Gerken. He is also honored with memorials in a weight room and in other ways at the school.
His normal greeting went like this: “Hello, I’d like to be your friend.”