Jerry P. Jones

Jerry Patrick Jones (74) (aka, Pajer, JJ, Mr. Jones, Jerry Jones, Coach, Jonesy and Grampa Jer)

We are very sad to say that Jerry passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, with his wife Margie by his side due to a short illness.

Jerry was born on May 26th, 1950, the son of Clarence (Pinky) and Marilyn Jones and was raised in Hardin, MT. During those years he was active in the Boy Scouts, eventually reaching the rank of Eagle Scout. With a true love for history, he enjoyed hunting for artifacts at Fort Custer with his two brothers. While attending school, he developed a love for football, which he also played at Eastern Montana College in Billings (1968 -1972). At college he met Suzi Vachal and relocated to Somers, MT where they were married in March of 1972.

Jerry was a history teacher at Bigfork High School where he also coached football and Track and Field. While living in Somers, Jerry and Suzi were blessed with a son Cody Jones on June 23, 1977.

Later he started his career at Flathead County Park and Recreation and eventually became Superintendent. He was instrumental in building the Conrad Complex softball fields. He met Margie through softball but his love for fishing lead to the date that would last forever. Jerry and Margie were married on June 17, 1989.

He had a love for the outdoors and sports in general. He coached youth Shiner Flag Football, a program which he started. He called the team he coached, and his son played for, “The Redskins” after his favorite NFL team. It was while coaching the team that he instilled a love of football and for the Washington Redskins in his son, and later, his grandson Joel.

When Jerry was not coaching or playing sports, he could still usually be found outside enjoying one of his other true passions- fishing. He loved fishing in all the local lakes but had a particular love of Flathead and Echo Lakes. He enjoyed fishing the “big lake” for lake trout with his family and friends, but had a particular love for bass fishing, especially with his good buddy Bob Parker.

He was an avid hunter and enjoyed the pursuit of elk and mule deer with his brother Tom, son, cousins, and grandchildren at the Ranch.

Willing to try something new and fun, he played golf, went rafting, and traveled with Margie. Some of their favorite trips together were in Ireland, Oregon, Chicago, and Fort Meyers. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up. From taking them fishing and hunting to watching and rooting for them in sports along with Suzi and Jack and hanging out with the family on “Monday nights.”

Jerry was also a Mason with the local Trinity Lodge in Kalispell.

After exploring other careers, he started his own pest company with his son- Jones Pest Control LLC.

A friend to many, he enjoyed and loved the good company of others. As a clever and fun-loving guy, he always loved a good nickname.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Margie (Etta), his brother Thomas (TJ) and wife Coleen (Coke), his son Cody (Ramone) and wife Renee (Dutch), and his two grandchildren, Clara (Dixie) and Joel (McGee), brother in-law Steve and wife Irene, step nephews, Kevin and Stevie, and many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Pinky and Marilyn, younger brother Lyle and his parent in-laws, Myles and Celia.

Special thanks to our care giver Sally, family and friends who helped Jerry be very comfortable and entertained. Thank you to all the cousins and friends who came by to see Jerry, especially Bob L. Thank you to Logan Health Home Health and Hospice for taking good care of Jerry, and Buffalo Hills Funeral Home for caring for Jerry’s family.

A celebration of life will take place for friends and family on Fri, Sept 13th from 3pm to 6pm at Buffalo Hills Golf Course. Jerry’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him- he will be missed.