As a young man Jerry served as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives and graduated from Fort Collins High School. He went on to graduate from the University of Colorado in Boulder where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He served in the Fort Collins unit of the Air Force National Guard in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
In 1956 Jerry married June Whisenant Kissock in Liberal, Kansas. Afterward, they made their home in Fort Collins Colorado for 66 years. To this marriage were born three sons: John Kelly Kissock, Timothy Joseph Kissock and William Jerry Kissock. Jerry often said “I have the three best sons in the world.”
He was an independent insurance agent in his family firm Kissock and Cram. But in his long life he also provided extensive community service and leadership. He was on the Board of Directors of Home Federal Savings and Loan, which later merged with Key Bank where he remained a Director for many years. He served on the Fort Collins City Council for three years. He was President of the Fort Collins Golf Association and First National Bank Tower Association. He was a Director of Meals on Wheels and the University of Colorado Alumni Association. He was a member of the Fort Collins Country Club and Elks Club.
Accomplishments are one thing, but Jerry’s never fading love for his family, friends and Fort Collins was his special characteristic. His social life started with the “South Side Gang." They were a story book lot: Bob and Bill Pike, Joe Tobiska, Dick Smelzer, Donny Allen and Tom Shawver. They remained lifelong pals. Jerry, who stayed in Fort Collins, was the anchor each year when they would return and relive their childhood memories.
Jerry was a rabid fan of the Colorado Buffaloes. Through thick and thin, he was loyal to CU and the lifelong friends he made there. He was an accomplished ping pong player, golfer, and fly fisherman on the Laramie River. He loved playing pool with George Sloan, Bill Allen and Ralph Hardin. Jerry’s special gift was his capacity for friendship and socialization. He had a vast network of close friends. He had the gift of humor and charm and always loved exchanging jokes. He never failed to appreciate the wonderful life he had here: “There was no place on earth better to live than Fort Collins."
John Jerry Kissock passed away under hospice care on November 25, 2022. His family is thankful for the wonderful care he received from staff, nurses, and doctors. He is survived by his wife, June; three sons, Kelly, Tim, and Bill; four grandchildren, Mary, Katie, Kyle, and Ethan; his sister, Irene; and his two daughters-in-law, Gretchen and Suzane. Information about the memorial service can be obtained from Allnutt Funeral Service in Fort Collins.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jerry, donations can be made to The Epilepsy Foundation or Meals on Wheels.
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