First born and only son of Joe and Betty, Jerry was born in Helena on May 27, 1949. He was joined by his two sisters, Judy and Sarah, over the next 7 years. Jerry had a knack for mechanics. In high school, he entered and won the local Plymouth Trouble Shooting Contest and went on to nationals. He graduated from Helena High 1967, served in the National Guard after high school, and then went on to pursue his passion of being a mechanic, joining the boiler makers union working various positions including foreman, pipefitter, and rigger.
Jerry spent much of his time working on cars and tractors as well as farming and ranching. He had a special place in his heart for all of his aunts and uncles and spent a great deal of time helping Aunt Roseanne and Uncle Frank in their later years.
Proceeded in death by parents, Joe and Betty.
Survived by his children Joe (Sherry) and Jeff (Maggie) and sisters Judy (Rick) and Sarah (Ed); 3 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, his nephews and nieces and his aunt Phyllis.
At his request no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jerry’s name be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jerry.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Rhonda Robertson says
Sarah and Family,
Very sorry to hear about your brother. May all the wonderful memories you hold close within your heart sustain you in the coming days and bring comfort and joy in the years ahead. You have our heartfelt sympathy at this sad time. God gives us comfort in the form of family and friends. May His peace be with you, His love never ends.
Bruce and Rhonda (Strainer)Robertson
Buddy Phillips says
What can I say about Jerry ……
He was a great friend an incredible mechanic and a partner in crime! Our days in Troop N Air were memorable to say the least. Why we weren’t court-martialed I’ll never know but we always got our duties done.
He was a legend to many of us that frequented the establishments on Last Chance Gulch in the early 70’s!
He was a great bartender and bouncer at the Capri and kept things in order there.
He had a heart of gold but didn’t want you to know it!
RIP Jerry. You were a wild one but a great one! You’ll be missed!
Buddy and Marnette
Delores and Ray Almanza says
JJ was one of the best friends we had and we will miss him. We will all meet again at O’Tooles in heaven. Miss those hay rides.
Deb says
JJ my friend-Happy trails til we meet again! Deb O’Connell Peterson
Rick & Beth Cottingham says
All started in 1953 on Butte Ave. in a sandbox. Friends for life. Travels often took us different directions but always brought us back. Twenty years at the Green Door and the Capri. Groomsman at our wedding. Always made my machines run better and faster. We will miss you my friend. Godspeed until we meet again up there. You were a true friend! Rick & Beth
Scott St. Clair says
Jerry’s family are in my thoughts. I worked with Jerry a little at the smelter but spoke with him often since. What a great guy, I’m sure he will be missed. I feel lucky to have had him as a friend. RIP my friend. Scott St. Clair
Robert Farrar says
Jerry was kind and helpful to all I saw him involved with. I met him at O’Tooles many years ago when I was Joyce’s pre-salesman, he was always ready to help her with the heavy lifting. We had many great conversations and I will miss his country smile. May you rest in peace,
Robert Farrar
Jean Shea says
Jerry was a true friend who always saw the good in others, valued people by their character, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be missed by many, but will never be forgotten. I’m sure you will be kept close in our memories and our hearts.
Heather says
Jerry was a very kind, patient, and positive man. I was so happy to have known him. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed!
Patti Russ says
We will miss Jerry’s smile and willingness to help a neighbor. His ranch is across the road from us. He was always willing to help or just shoot the breeze. He looked out for Uncle Ray Gustafson, welding or repairing some old piece of equipment. He was one of the last tough old cowboys. I remember him taking on a rank cow at one of our brandings. Cow 1…. Jerry 0 but he had a great smile.
We’ll miss you Jerry.
Tom and Patti Russ
Dave Jakovac says
I recall joining him on a few drag racing ventures. One to Anaconda with his stock? 1957 Chevy Belair. Time 13.8
His daily travels to visit friends and family was inspiring…about 80 miles a day to help people or just jawing about life. He took me out out to Canyon Ferry one day to knee board…I mean drowning. We had a fun time and his presence will be missed dearly. He passed the same day my sister Ann did…amids my knee replacement surgery. RIP