Jerry Jones was born on September 21, 1946, to Wilma and Archie Jones in Benkelman, Nebraska. He departed this life on June 22, 2021, with family at his side while at Great Plains Health in North Platte. He was 74 years of age.
Jerry grew up on the family farm northwest of Benkelman where they raised corn, wheat, alfalfa and ran a small herd of cattle. He went to primary school in Parks, Nebraska, then transferred to Benkelman his senior year. Jerry graduated high school in 1964 and went onto post graduate studies in McCook and Kearney, graduating with a degree in business.
In college, Jerry dated, married and started a family with Sharolyn Humphreys of Max, Nebraska. To this union three children were born.
In 1975 while living in Lincoln, Jerry and his wife had a very important decision, move to the bigger city of Chicago, Illinois, and continue working for Montgomery Wards in sales or move back to the family farm. They chose the latter. Once back on the farm, they continued to raise their children along with many different animals, which included the addition of a couple horses, goats, pigs, a burro and even a buffalo. Jerry was an excellent welder and had many ideas that were ahead of his time. He often contemplated that they may have been better off financially in the big city but he wanted the good clean farm life for his children. When his youngest son graduated from high school, Jerry said he knew they had made the right choice.
Jerry enjoyed playing and watching all sporting activities, basketball and football being his favorites. He loved watching sports because they were not scripted. Jerry had a love for the water and he gave his children and grandchildren this same passion. He loved boating, water skiing and whatever else you could pull behind a boat. He once made a round disc out of plywood and would give his children rides on it as he would spin it around. This was way before things like kneeboards and wakeboards were even a thought. If it would float he would say you can ride it, and this was proven over and over again through the years.
Jerry had an infectious smile, and a childish grin. He loved having hot dog roasts for his grandchildren and his mother-in-law to enjoy as well as Dr. Pepper, this being another trait he passed onto his grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his children: Kirk (Paula) of Cheyenne, WY, Kimberly Lynn (Mark) Sutherland of Cozad and Kent (Melissa) of Cozad; eight grandchildren: Mitchell (Jeanie), Joshua (Ricky), Brady (Victoria), Bryce Elizabeth (Trever), Bryton, Gage, Mayla Lynn and Ryan; three great-grandchildren: Cameron, Taylor and Khallen; as well as many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will have a private celebration of Jerry's life at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Arrangements are with Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte.