Jerry Winford Kelley

Jerry led an adventure-filled life. He joined the Navy after high school, to serve his country. He served for five years before leaving the military for the university to pursue his love of education. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, where his love affair for all things Husky began. Jerry later earned his master’s degree and he culminated his educational journey with a Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside in 1977.

Jerry loved education and teaching young students. He began his teaching career in Perris, California, before obtaining a position with Riverside Unified School District. During 29 years within that district he worked nearly every year in second grade between two schools, Highland Elementary School and Washington Elementary School. After retirement, he continued to serve future educators as a university supervisor for student teachers through Cal State San Bernardino.

Jerry also gave back to his community. He was a eucharistic minister for the St. Francis Catholic Church. He was a member of the Serra Club. Jerry also often coached his sons soccer teams.

Jerry had a love of travel. He and his wife traveled as much as they could. Together then went to Japan, France, Spain, South America with their favorite location, which they visited the most, Argentina. While their children were young, they traveled every summer to various locations throughout the United States by car, taking in all the sites they could.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Magaly Lopez Kelley. He is survived by Elmo Kelley, son; Jerry Kelley, son; Ava Kelley, granddaughter; Kendall Kelley, granddaughter; Carson Kelley, grandson; Laura Neville, sister; Barbara Kelley, daughter-in-law; and Angela Kelley, daughter-in-law.