Jerry Lee Hymas

JERRY LEE HYMAS May 14, 1938 ~ March 5, 2014 Jerry was born on May 14, 1938 in Burley, ID. He died peacefully while surrounded by his family on March 5, 2014. After his family moved to Vancouver, WA in 1941, Jerry attended Marshall Elementary School, McLaughlin Jr. High and Vancouver High School, class of '56. After graduation Jerry joined the Navy where he served as a Quartermaster on board the USS Caliente in the Western Pacific. After an honorable discharge in 1960, Jerry met the love of his life, Denise Jakin. They were married in 1961. Jerry was reactivated by the Navy for another two years and served aboard the USS McGinty during the Cuban missile crisis. That enlistment took Jerry and Denise to Pearl Harbor where they lived near a beautiful beach for a short time. They returned to Vancouver where Denise started her long career as a nurse while Jerry worked at Safeway and then Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill before landing at Alcoa's Lower River Road plant. He worked for over 20 years there until the plant closed in 1986 and Jerry became semi-retired. He continued working part time as the maintenance man at the downtown Dairy Queen, Hideaway tavern, and Shannahans tavern, retiring in 2006. Jerry, Denise, their three daughters, and their best friends, Homer and Donna Dixon, along with their two daughters, Julie and Jani, logged many miles together traveling throughout the western states. They also logged many hours in several taverns around the area playing shuffleboard. Jerry enjoyed bowling, shuffleboard, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his friends at the "Peking", "Paul's" and the 3 Monkies. He always looked forward to Saturday lunch with his kids. Jerry is survived by his brother, Duane (Shirleen); his three daughters, Renee White (Ed) of Vancouver, Jeanette McClellan (Clay) of Port Orchard, WA and Berta Cruden of Battle Ground, WA; four grandchildren, Cassie McClellan of Seattle, WA, Alec Cruden (Leeza) of Vancouver and Jocelyn Cruden of Battle Ground and Yuji White (Alex) of Vancouver; great-grandson, Owen White of Vancouver and his sibling, yet to be born. He was preceded in death by his wife, Denise; his mother and father; and two older brothers, Howard and Neil. There will be a celebration of Jerry's life at Chronis' Restaurant in Vancouver on Sat., March 15, from 2-5p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Jerry's name to Hospice SW or Compassion and Care of Washington. -

Jerry Lee Hymas

May 14, 1938 - March 5, 2014