Gerald (Jerry) W. Jeskey
May 16, 1933 – April 23, 2019 (age 85)

Jerry Jeskey, 85, of Salem, Oregon, passed away peacefully on the evening of April 23, 2019.

Jerry was born on May 16, 1933 in Hubbard, Oregon to Elmer Jeskey and Jennie (Toler) Jeskey.

He worked on the family farm in Aurora, Oregon growing up and was a member of the first graduating class of North Marion High School in 1951. After high school, Jerry joined the Air Force, where he served with distinction for 21 years. Jerry traveled the world while in the military, including stops in England, Japan, Spain, Turkey, and South Korea. He worked a variety of jobs following his honorable discharge from the military, including his final position working as a driver for a pool deck equipment manufacturer, S.R. Smith.

Jerry married Kathryn (Kathy) Louise Gee on June 12, 1959. They were blessed with four children: William (Bill), Don, Ron, and Denise. Kathy also helped raised Wilma (Darlene) and Debra (Debbie), Jerry's daughters from a prior marriage. Jerry's 38-year marriage ended with Kathy's passing in 1997. Jerry was extremely fortunate to find love again and on June 30, 2002, he married Barbara Gaddis Brainard. Barb was Jerry's faithful companion and Jerry's children are grateful for her.

Jerry enjoyed traveling and, thanks to his military service, was able to visit many parts of the U.S and the world. He loved Oregon and admired its natural beauty. He especially liked the Oregon coast and for many years camped regularly at a favorite campsite at Pacific City.
Jerry read his newspaper daily—with the weather and the sports section being devoured first. Jerry was a sports fan. He followed local sports religiously, and always seemed to know the most interesting facts about Oregon high school or college teams. Jerry enjoyed playing cards. In his retirement years, he especially looked forward to the annual Jeskey cousin gathering.

Jerry is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Darlene and husband Thomas Nunez of Redlands, California, daughter Debra Tucker, son William and wife Donna Allison of Granbury, Texas, son Don and wife Kathleen of Canby, Oregon, son Ron of Phoenix, Arizona, and daughter Denise and husband Mack Farag of McMinnville, Oregon. He leaves behind eight step-children who warmly welcomed him into their family: Dan Brainard, Dennis Brainard, Linae Sielicky, Dale Brainard, Donald Brainard, Duane Brainard, David Brainard, and Adria Vidaurri. He also leaves behind six grandchildren John Parkey, Jason Tucker, Cody Tucker, William Jeskey, Alexandria Farag, and Kathryn Farag; one sister, Bernita Westberg of Haines, Oregon; three half-siblings (Albert, Sanford, and Patricia), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and step grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kathy, his brother-in-law Gene Westberg, and a half-sibling, Susan.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 at Simon-Cornwell Colonial Chapel in Woodburn, Oregon, with Reverend Mark Larson presiding. Private interment at Aurora Community Cemetery will be held at a later date.