Jerry Oakley

Jerry L. Oakley peacefully passed away on May 1, 2012 in Portland, Oregon. He was 80 years old. Jerry will be remembered for his kind demeanor and his compassionate and tender heart. Born on December 4, 1931 Jerry was the youngest of three boys born to Juanita and Jess Oakley. He was born in Shelton, Washington but grew up in Scio, Oregon. Jerry had to work hard during his childhood to help his family make ends meet and as teenager he worked in the lumber mills. As a young man he joined the Army to honorably serve his country during the Korean War. Jerry served as a medic and during his service he was captured as a prisoner of war and was retained for 2 and half years. After being discharged from the Military Jerry had a life changing moment in September of 1953. He was set up on a blind date and met the love of his life; Shirley Vian. Shirley and Jerry pretty much knew after that first date that this was it and in October of 1953 they were married at the court house in Albany, Oregon. Jerry’s works as a safety engineer caused the family to move around quite a bit. Jerry worked on dams in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Colorado and he eventually came to find work with Argonaut Insurance where he stayed for 17 years before retiring. He worked hard during the week but always made family a priority and would plan get a ways and family car trips for the weekend. Jerry was always happiest when he was on a boat, water skiing or swimming. Jerry is predeceased by his parents and his younger brother. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley; his daughters Cindy and Linda(husband Irvan Petersen); his siblings William Oakley, Pat Wagstaff and Barb Oakley. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to Disable American Veterans.