Jerrold “Jerry” Johnson, 79, of Port Townsend, Washington, died suddenly on Feb. 3, 2023, at his home.
An avid sportsman, lover of cars, and native of the Northwest, Jerry was born in Centralia, Washington, to Harold and Melba (Pahl) Johnson. Jerry remembered his childhood in Centralia fondly and maintained lifelong friendships from his time in Centralia.
He attended Queen Elizabeth High School in Surrey, British Columbia and Centralia High School in Centralia, Washington. He continued his education at Centralia College, graduating with an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology. Jerry served three years in the U.S. Army as a surveyor, stationed in Vietnam, South Korea and at Fort Hood, Texas. Upon completion of his military service, Jerry joined the steel erection company, Shurtleff and Andrews, and moved to Arizona. He completed a bachelor of science degree in business administration at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. He then joined the sales team at W.L. Gore & Associates, first in the wire and cable division, and then the medical division. Jerry made his home and raised his family in Flagstaff. He returned to the Northwest in 2005, settling in Port Townsend.
Upon retirement in Port Townsend, Jerry enjoyed fishing, crabbing and hunting excursions, as well as traveling the world to experience far flung locales including Africa, Cuba and New Zealand. Jerry treasured his time with the Rakers Car Club, the Peninsula Dream Machines and his Corvette club. He served for a number of years as president of the Puget Sound Anglers.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Melba, and his brother Tom.
He is survived by his twin children Jerry Johnson, of Chicago, Illinois, and Jessica Johnson, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sister Marylyne House (Ken), of Kamloops, British Columbia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He will be greatly missed by family and friends. His ashes will be scattered by family. Contact the family through Kosec Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Port Townsend Food Bank.
