Jerry E. Stanley

In Memory of Jerry Stanley March 11, 1948 – Sept. 29, 2026

Jerry Stanley was a formidable man in the lives of many who knew him. Born and raised in Western Washington, he lived for a time with grandparents and cousins on Bainbridge Island and graduated from high school there. On his 18th birthday in 1966, Jerry joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served for four years during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of sergeant. He was fortunate to be trained as an aircraft mechanic and to conclude his service stateside at McChord Air Force Base in Lakewood.

Jerry fathered two sons and contributed to their upbringing as best he knew how. He loved being outdoors, and he shared that passion with his children. In his younger years, Jerry guided folks on backpacking trips through the Olympic Mountains. He made many memories hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping with friends and family. Likely his favorite place on earth was Conconully Lake in Okanogan County, where he liked to go every year for the opening of fishing season to catch trout. He also enjoyed smoking salmon in his homemade smokehouse. Jerry’s appreciation for animals showed, and for years he had dogs, including several miniature schnauzers. As his dogs passed, he turned to fostering goats for a short time, and then many cats and kittens at his and his wife Joyce’s home in Oakville. The cats’ daily lives and antics gave Jerry much joy and entertainment in his retirement.

Jerry enjoyed visiting and talking politics. As those who knew him can attest, he could get quite animated. Jerry loved having a partner that would appreciate his style. Jerry married Joyce McSherry in Tacoma on July 7, 2007, and they shared 19 years of marriage at the time of his passing. Joyce appreciated Jerry, especially for his playful sense of humor, his interest in classic cars and local history, and the many jaunts they made to ocean beaches. Together, they bought a house in Oakville and worked to make it a welcoming home in which they loved to host family and friends.

Jerry had a strong work ethic and knew how to fix a broad spectrum of technical things. He was dedicated to whatever job he had and proud of his handyman and woodworking skills. While working and in retirement, Jerry fixed things as thriftily and efficiently as possible, and fabricated things out of wood and metal when he had the materials and means to do so.

Jerry is preceded in death by his mother Jeannette, father Jerry Sr., brother Rodney and eldest son Chris. He is survived by his wife Joyce, brother Michael and sister Cheryl, son Dylan, step-children Kayla and Finn, and step-granddaughter Rosalea. Those that spent time with Jerry appreciated his positive qualities that included a sweet smile and a firm handshake. We will remember him, and we will miss him in our lives.