Obituary
Guest Book
301 East Third Avenue
Ellensburg, Washington
Jeremy Taylor Williams, 77, passed away in his home Monday evening surrounded by his family. He was born February 19, 1936 in Gig Harbor, Washington to Donald and Irene Williams.
The Williams family, including his brother Rolf Williams, moved to Ellensburg in 1945. In 1947 the family founded Jerrol's, originally a soda fountain and convenience store.
Jeremy graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1954 and then attended Central Washington State College for a year before serving in the Army until 1956. Upon his return he attended the University of Washington where he met his wife, Annette Elizabeth (Green) Williams. They were married on August 23, 1958.
In 1960 Jerry and Annette returned to Ellensburg to run Jerrol's. The "Jer" from Jerrol's had returned to take ownership and was instrumental in changing Jerrol's from a soda fountain to a college bookstore. Jerry embraced change and brought in technology as fast as it became available.
Jerry was an active member of the Ellensburg and Central Communities. He was adamant that not only did you work hard in your business, but you donated your time and talents in your community. As a result, Jerry served on the First Historical Downtown Association, United Way of Kittitas County, Friends of Washoe, Kittitas County Mental Health/Disability Board, Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Washington Businesses. Jerry wanted to create a downtown that brought people together and gave them a sense of place. In order to do so, he was part of creating the Ellensburg Christmas celebration "Moments to Remember" and helped form the sister city relationship with Sanda City, Japan. Jerry loved encouraging young people and worked with the top 10% scholarship Luncheon Program to provide dictionaries for graduating seniors since 1975.
Jerry was an avid reader, skier, tennis player and gardener. He was a joy to watch ski as he had both control and grace as he tackled any ski hill. Jerry valued reading and education, stressing to his family the importance of both.
Anything lemon put a smile on his face including a lemon in his iced tea. His favorite past time was to discuss ideas surrounding politics, the City of Ellensburg and capitalism as practiced by small business. Later in life he especially enjoyed mowing the lawn and growing dahlias and tomatoes.
In addition to his wife, Annette, he is survived by his children: Michele (Bart) Bradshaw of Ellensburg, Kelli (Bruce) McClelland of Mulino, Oregon, Rolf (Michelle) Williams of Ellensburg and Elizabeth (Craig) Fortier of Battle Ground, Washington. He also has eight grandchildren whom he loved unconditionally, especially enjoying a good piece of chocolate cake while talking of the books they were reading. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.
A rosary will be held at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, in Ellensburg, on Sunday, July 21st at 6:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, July 22nd at St. Andrew's. A graveside service and luncheon will immediately follow. The family will also be hosting a Celebration of Jerry's Life at the Kittitas County Fairground's Event Center at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, July 24th.
Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in Jerry's name to the local United Way at www.uwcw.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 25, 2013
Conover family
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time of loss. I'm just so very sorry. Prayers and cares. I've been out of town a great deal these past few weeks and just learned of this notice. On Facebook tonight (Wednesday) July 24th
July 23, 2013
Lana Smith
Jerry was a wonderful man, boss and friend. Under his tutelage, I learned the meaning of work ethics and how to serve customers courteously and efficiently. I also learned the valuable lessons on how to count swimming fish and flying birds during inventory, how to run with a rain bucket, and keep those light bulbs washed, the proper way to fold sweatshirts, and so many more lessons. I will miss him. My prayers are with Annette, Michele and family, Rolf and family, Kelly and family and of course Lil'Bet and family. Thank you for taking me under your wings.
July 23, 2013
Dixie Johnson
Annette and family,
I was so sad to hear of Jerry's passing. Having known him from grade school on, he was such a great guy! He will be missed!
My prayers are with you.
July 23, 2013
From grade school to cub and boy scout and on to the high school class of 1954 Jerry was a class act. A prayer for the family is in order. On behalf of his classmates of 1954 God be with you.
Wayne Renfrow Sun City West. Az.
July 23, 2013
Carol Hawthorne Henifin
Mrs. Williams, Michelle, Rolf, Kelli and ‘Little-bit',
I am so terribly sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. My heart hurts for all of you.
Jerry was such a great boss and man. He taught me so many things in those 4 years that I worked for him and he treated me as his own.
I have so many wonderful memories of Jerrold's and Jerry. Ellensburg has lost a bright star and he will be missed terribly by us all!
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Again,I'm so sorry for your loss ...
July 22, 2013
Sue Evans-Supplee
It's been a lot of years, but strong memories remain. I look back on the family outings with Michelle, Kelli and Rolf with great fondness.
July 22, 2013
Martha and Bill Smith
Jerry was the most postive and forward thinking person we ever met. Even in hard times he kept focus on community good. Thank you Jerry for your service and inspiration. You will always be one of Ellensburg's true gems.
July 22, 2013
Patti (Nevins) Whitman
Annette and Family,
I was so sorry to read about the passing of Jerry. What great memories we have of him at the store - I think he must have known every kid in town!! Jerry was quite a guy and will be sorely missed by all.
Thoughts and Prayers go out to you all.
July 22, 2013
Nancy Covert
I remember well the welcome we received from the Williams in 1968 when we joined the faculty at CWC--later to become CWU--what a loss for the community. Please accept our sympathy.
Nancy Covert (Wolff)
July 21, 2013
Claudia Sikes
Jerry was my boss first and then became my friend. He taught be work ethics and made me laugh everyday. (sometimes cry) He cared so much about this community and worked hard to keep it a great little town.
July 21, 2013
I'm baking a lemon pie in his honor! Caren Alder, Battleground, Wa.
July 20, 2013
Marie (Campbell) McKean
Ellensburg has lost an icon...from keeping us in paper during our school years, to debating the politics of the day, he was always entertaining regardless the topic! My prayers and condolences, giant hugs Michelle!
July 20, 2013
Robert Jacobs
I remember well Jerry's long and faithful public service as a Trustee on the old Ellensburg Public Library Board. He always kept literacy and education at the forefront of his concern. He was an admirable man. His death is a loss to the community just as it must be to his family and friends.
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Funeral services provided by:
Johnston & Williams Funeral Home & Crematory - Ellensburg301 East Third Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926
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