Add a Memory
Make a Donation
1940
2017
Trail, Oregon — Jerry L. Anderson, 76, died Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Asante Rogue Medical Center in Medford from complications due to advanced COPD.He leaves his wife of 54 years, Bonnie (Lucas) Anderson; his sons, Patrick Anderson and wife, Jen Anderson and Michael Anderson; his daughter, Tina Anderson; granddaughters, Dylan and Piper Aycock; two sisters, Dorothy Conrad and Doris Logan; nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends
Born in Powderly, Alabama and raised in Southern California, the son of William Olin (WO) and Norris (Strickland) Anderson. Jerry lived in Hyattsville, Maryland and Hanover, Pennsylvania. He moved to southern Oregon with his wife and children in 1983 and has called Trail, Oregon home since 1984.
Jerry graduated from San Fernando High School in 1959. In 1960, he met his wife, Bonnie Lucas on a blind date arranged by friends and they were married in 1962 at Osborne Neighborhood Church.
In his early career, Jerry worked in telecommunications installing communications systems in California and then Vietnam. Upon his return to the United States he began work in the newly emerging computer industry and eventually was a data processing manager for Carroll County School District in the 1970’s and then Medford School District for 20 years from 1983-2003. He not only took pride in his work at Medford School District, but truly relished the friends he made during his time there.
Jerry had a passion for travel and he and Bonnie travelled throughout the United States in their RV and 5th wheels. In his later years, he loved being a camp host throughout the US. Any place near the ocean was a favorite for Jerry and he especially fell in love with the ocean breezes and community in Brookings, Oregon where he spent many of the last years of his life. He loved attending church at Christian Community Church and chatting with their many dear friends in Brookings.
Jerry had a lively spirit and loved laughing. He would often keep friends and family laughing with silly gifts and many “catch phrases.” You would often get a “Duuuuude” or a “Badda bing. Badda boom” out of him for almost any occasion. He loved calling his sisters and often they would giggle on the phone for hours.
If he had a life motto, it would be the famous line from Winston Churchill: "Nothing is impossible, the impossible just takes longer." And he certainly tested that theory! Whether it was transporting a 20 foot Christmas tree aloft a Corvette, running a functioning 15 acre farm in his spare time or changing the engine in a car using only an audio recording a mechanic made explaining how to do it--Jerry persisted and found a way forward!
His legacy of love, kindness and silliness will live on. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held Friday, May 26 at 2pm at Trail Christian Fellowship at 18881 Highway 62, Eagle Point, OR 97524. In lieu of flowers, the Anderson family would like you to please donate in Jerry's memory to Habitat for Humanity at 2201 S Pacific Highway, Medford, OR 97501 or Samaritan's Purse at PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
Sponsored by Rogue Valley Funeral Alternatives.
2 Entries
May 23, 2017
Bonnie,
Our hearts are saddened with yours at this news, but we want you to know that in spite of not being in touch very often that we still consider you friends, even more than that in Christ. Please know that our prayers and sincere condolences are with you and your family at this time. May God bless you and give you comfort, strength and peace.
Much love,
Bob and Donna Stewart
May 8, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Funeral services provided by:
Rogue Valley Funeral Alternatives558 Business Park Drive, Medford, OR 97504
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more