Jerry Hamlin went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 28, 2023. Jerry Hamlin was born in Duluth, MN on March 21, 1945, the son of Marjorie and Harold Hamlin. His parents moved to Winston, MT when he was three and then to Clancy, MT and later Jerry spent his school years growing up in Boulder, MT. Jerry learned the value of hard work early in his life, obtaining lawn mowing jobs starting at age 10 in Boulder, Montana. Jerry came from a family of many construction workers, so it seemed logical when he graduated from high school to enter a four year bricklayer apprenticeship and he became a well-known bricklayer in the Helena area.
Jerry married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara (Beanie) Buckles in 1967. Eventually, Jerry hurt his back and realized he could not do the physical labor, so he went back to college at Carroll College and earned a degree in accounting in 1973. After graduating from college and obtaining an office job for a local construction firm, Jerry started his own construction business in 1975. Jerry obtained his Real Estate Brokers license in 1985 and continued constructing homes, developing land and running a Real Estate business for 48 years.
Jerry loved basketball and hunting and later came to love the game of golf. However, none of those things was as important as coming to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in May 1973. Jerry’s life and family changed dramatically at that time as he began to realize that everything, he had was given to him by God. Jerry loved teaching young boys God’s principles as he became the local leader of the Royal Ranger program for Helena First Assembly of God for over 22 years. As his love for teaching blossomed, Jerry also taught “The Distinctively Christian Marriage” class at the church and became a Crown Financial Ministry Counselor. He taught Sunday School for both the Crown Financial series and the Dave Ramsay Financial Peace Series. Jerry served 8 years on the Deacon board and was Treasurer of the church. Jerry loved God with all of his heart, mind, body and soul and it was his wish that his two boys, Bret and Kirk, would also find that same happiness in God.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie and his dad, Harold; his grandson Abel; and his siblings, Jack Hamlin, Larry Hamlin and Carol Morefield. Jerry is survived by his wife, Barbara and two sons, Bret, of Helena, MT. and Kirk, of San Francisco, CA; three granddaughters Jaycee, Millie and Rae Hamlin of Helena, MT.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service of joy and thanksgiving for Jerry’s reunion with his Savior will be held at the First Assembly Church, 2210 Dodge St. Helena, MT on Friday August 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Jerry would like for any memorials to be sent to the Montana Family Foundation in Laurel, MT.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday August 4, 2023
First Assembly Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday August 4, 2023
First Assembly Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Cindy Utterback says
I am so sorry to hear this news. Jerry was an extremely generous and kind man. He was always willing to give someone a “hand up”. His convictions and faith were strong and he had a fire in his belly. I will miss you Jerry. Rest in peace.
Doris Copenhaver says
Saddened by the new of Jerry’s death. Our family’s grew up together in gruber estates
The children played in the creek and we all celebrated birthdays together. You will be missed Jerry and our prayers and memories go out to the family. Rest in peace Jerry.
Jeannie Smith says
“I’ll have a hot turkey Cold!” We at Cafe Zydeco are really gonna miss this very nice and funny Man. Rest peacefully
Dick Anderson says
I was so sad when I heard the news about Jerry. I always loved his passion, strong convictions, and his willingness to follow his convictions and to follow up on them. He was a man of great principal and always honest and ethical. He truly will be missed in the construction community.
When ever Jerry and I saw each other we always had a good laugh and enjoyed our time.
Barb he really will be missed
Chiko and Matt says
Jerry loved Jesus here on earth and loves him even more. I belly laugh every time I think of what he is doing. Barb we love you and will be here for you until he takes us all home .
Sharon Flynn says
Jerry was a friend through the years. He was very kind to my son in RR’s which brought me back to the Lord. Jerry and Beanie raised our kids together and grew in the Lord. He was a great man.
Lorri (Chugg) Mullen says
Dear Barb,
I am so sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. He was always just an upbeat and friendly man. Jerry will be missed by many. God bless.
Betti Hilk says
Rick and I have enjoyed a long friendship through the years with Barb and Jerry. Jerry was such a truly good person full of compassion for others. We respected his love of our savior and his willingness to work hard on His behalf. He was an honest and hardworking businessman who never tired of making our community a better place. He will be so missed.
John Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barb and the rest of the family 🙏. You two were always an inspiration and we are glad to be believers in Jesus along with you.
Vanessa Tolson says
Barb & family, our thoughts and prayers to you all. So sorry for your loss.
Chuck & Vanessa
Vince Justice says
I had the privilege to serve under Jerry in Royal Rangers for over 20 years. His positive impact on numerous children and those that worked with him is immeasurable. Jerry will be greatly missed but we know we will see him again in heaven because of God’s grace. Our prayers are with Barb and the family asking God’s comfort on them.
Deb Ennis says
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of Jerry’s passing! Barb, Kirk, Brett, and family; Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I am grieving with you. Comfort and healing will come as God promises.
All of Helena and many others will certainly be missing him. He was a diligent, hard-working, generous businessman. A father, friend, and leader that will be greatly missed as.”The Pillar of Strength” for so many.
He gave so many the dignity of earning a sustainable living, working at building homes that made wonderful places for so many to live and raise their families.
He left some pretty large shoes to fill! I’m sure it will take many people to do the tasks Jerry was handling.
I’m thankful to have known Jerry; The most organized person I ever met! I’m sure he has left behind many spreadsheets for you all, to help you through this very tough and trying time.
I’m thinking Jerry and Bub are getting reacquainted in heaven and God has them busy working together again building something really wonderful! We shouldn’t question God’s timing, but take comfort in it and his plan.
Jesus said in Luke 23:43, Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in paradise. Rest in peaceJerry, we’ll see you again someday.
Dean Retz says
What a shock. In the old days I used to play racket ball against Jerry and then as a fellow realtor. When Jerry Hamlin spoke you listened! God bless.
Julie Abney says
This truly is a shock to hear of Jerry no longer being with us. I had a lot of respect for Jerry and his knowledge of our industry. He always had everything documented so when you needed an answer to something, he usually had it. If you had a question, he was always good in explaining the answer so you wouldn’t feel like an idiot for asking. He fought for principle. He taught me a lot when we were in the Realtor Association leadership together. Some of my organizational skills came from Jerry. He will be missed by all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb and your family.
Bill Pierce says
I first met Jerry over 40 years ago through the building industry. He was one of the hardest working , most knowledgeable builders that I encountered in that time. He provided housing for countless numbers of families in the Helena area, and was a stalwart defender of the American dream of owning your own home . We will miss our friend .
Metzgers says
Barb and family- We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Jerry.
We love all you girls, Jaycee, Millie, and Rae deeply.
Thinking of you guys ❤️
Owens harold says
Hey barb I am very sorry for your loss what a beautiful soul you married a man of god I will not forget you in my prayers my the mighty god be with you and your family and friends
amanda gohn says
I was very sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was a great person. He will be missed. I love how everytime I saw him he always had a great big smile. my thoughts and prayers are with his family and wonderful wife Barb.
ANGELO AND TINA VEROULIS says
Our dear friend Barb, Ang and I were saddened to hear ofJerry’s passing. We will miss his smiles and kind words. May his Memory Be Eternal.
Karen Goldsberry says
Barb and family,
I am so sorry. Jerry was a wonderful man. I remember a meeting we had where he helped direct us in getting the East Helena High School. Jerry was always willing to listen and lend a helping hand. You are all in our prayers.
Rick Ahmann says
Barb, Bret and Family – I grew up in the real estate and development industry always admiring Jerry from afar. When opportunities allowed us to work together on real estate and building issues, he was quick to take any and all under his wing! He was a wealth of knowledge, had a great passion for hard work, was a dedicated Christian man and exuded the very definition of character. While I’m sure your loss is unbelievable, he loved knowing that heaven was his destination and his trip through here just a part of the journey. Thanks to all of his family for sharing him so well with the rest of us. Godspeed Jerry!
Colleen Phillips says
Barb and family, so very, very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I will miss his easy smile. May God wrap his hedge of protection around each of you during this extremely difficult time.
Colleen Phillips
Jeff Driessen says
Jerry’s love of God was always evident. He never shied from letting people know that God had inspired him or that this was God’s plan or that God forgives. No matter when I woukd see Jerry, he would smile that big smile of his. He truly loved everyone. The loss we feel here pales in comparison to the joy our friend is feeling now in the presence of Jesus. Jerry knew where he was headed and encouraged everyone to meet him there. My deepest condolences to all his family. May you find comfort knowing that your beloved Jerry is seated with his Lord and Saviour
Bob and Mardi Millons says
Jerry was a special man. A faithful son to his father, Jesus. He loved, adored and took the best care of his wife with true devotion. A well respected and honored man. A man who just couldn’t quit working….a hard worker all his life. He will be missed by many but most of all by his loving wife. May the Lord bless his family and give them peace, comfort and strength.
Bob and Mardi Millons says
Jerry was a special man. A faithful son to his father, Jesus. He loved, adored and took the best care of his wife with true devotion. A well respected and honored man. A man who just couldn’t quit working….a hard worker all his life. He will be missed by many but most of all by his loving wife. May the Lord bless his family and give them peace, comfort and strength.
Bob and Mardi
Corey Hill says
Was so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I have known Jerry and the family since I was probably 12 years old and attended First Assembly. For over fourty years I have know the family and had many dealings with him in Real Estate over the years. I would bet we would be amazed if we knew the actual number of homes that were either built by his company or are sitting on lots that he developed. Jerry was a great businessman, a loving husband a great father. He touched so many and will be missed by all.
Tom Rasmussen says
I have known Jerry and Barb since we 1st met at First Assembly church about 40 years ago. What a great journey
Jerry’s life had been, from his bricklaying days to one of the most successful businessman in Helena. That led to being
absolutely one of the most generous person possible in supporting so many worthwhile causes in Helena and in our state. His biggest legacy of all though was his walk with his lord and savior, Jesus Christ. There is nothing greater we can leave on this earth. Now Jerry gets to reap his reward by walking on streets of gold with the angels and face to face with Jesus. Barb, our prayers are with you as you make this challenging move into your new life without Jerry.
Brian and Jean Peacock says
Dear Barb and family,
Jean and I are sorry to see that Jerry has passed on. We enjoyed his ( and your company ) out on the golf course at Green Meadow not to mention our shared interest in serving customers in realty transactions in Helena. Happy golfing Jerry.
Brian and Jean Peacock
Maureen says
Barb, we were so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We are thinking of you and your family.
Maureen & Mat Rude
Ron Zeiler says
Barb I was so sorry to see that Jerry passed away. I remember talking to Jerry about building a house around 1976. In our racquetball days he was a fierce competitor and I enjoyed the games we played. At Mountain West Bank he was a very respected customer who always negotiated the best deal for his business. He will be missed in this community. RIP Jerry and God Bless you Barb and your family.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Barb & family so sorry for your loss.