Jerome David Edwards passed away unexpectedly at home in Oakville, Washington, at the age of 54 on Jan. 13, 2024.
Jerome was born on March 13, 1969, in Bremerton, Washington. He grew up on a dairy farm in Oakville and remained involved in agriculture throughout his life. As an active 4H and FFA member, he showed cows at many fairs throughout Western Washington, even representing the state of Washington at a national convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Jerome graduated from Oakville High School in 1987 and went on to attend Centralia College, majoring in diesel technology and eventually started his own trucking company.
Jerome was a loyal friend, hard worker and loving father. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, cooking for his loved ones and taking his family sailing. Always a devoted worker and caring father, his sons would frequently accompany him on work trips when he owned his own company, enjoying the additional opportunities to spend time together. He was incredibly proud of his children. One of his favorite hobbies was attending their sporting events while they were in school. He continued to be involved in their lives as they grew up, always eager to hear about their work, studies and adventures.
Never willing to do anything halfway, he learned to sail by simply buying a boat and taking it onto the water. In doing so, he created lasting memories of trips to get ice cream in Boston Harbor and picnics on the boat during calm days. An incredibly skilled mechanic, he was awarded many ASE certifications, earning nearly perfect scores on all his exams. fiWhile his ability to fix or build anything will be remembered, his love, kindness and devotion to others will never be forgotten.
Jerome is survived by his sons, Brendon and Colton; his parents, Dave and Gloria; his siblings, Zena and Jason; and many other loving relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. March 16 at the Oakville Community Center (111 E. Oak St., Oakville).