Jerry Waldo Skinner was called to our heavenly Father's comforting embrace on May 12, 2018. He passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada in the presence of his wife Judy and his sons Roger and Troy. Jerry W. was well loved and will be missed. He was born January 7, 1940 in Beaver City, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Lucille Skinner and his brothers Ralph, Jr. and Robert. Jerry met the woman he was destined to marry on a blind date in 1971. He remarked to people after the date that he knew the moment she got out of the car he was going to marry her. Jerry and Judy were married September 4, 1971.
Jerry went to Beaver High School where he didn't play a lot of sports because he was always working. He knew if he wanted anything he had to buy it himself which created the work ethic that would be obvious through his entire life. He did box some in high school but broke his hand and had to stop. Upon graduation he received a scholarship to become an architect which he did not pursue. He owned a Conoco Gas Station in Beaver until 1966 when he sold it and moved to Las Vegas to run a station here. After he sold the station he went to work at Stauffer Chemical and it was here that he was to meet Judy. His friend at work set them up on a blind date. While dating Judy, Jerry learned that she was considering moving home to Porterville, to stop that he bought her a mobile home so she didn't have to move. His persistence paid off when they were married and later was sealed in the temple for all time in eternity on their 39th wedding anniversary.
Jerry was a contractor by trade. He built houses and commercial properties with the assistance of his sons and his youngest brother Jim. When they weren't working the family spent many weekends on their boat on the lake. Jerry never lost his love of the Beaver mountains so when he had a chance he traded his boat in on a cabin. For the last 30 years every chance they got Jerry and Judy would go to the mountain. He had an affinity with the local wildlife; the hummingbirds and chipmunks would come get him so they could be fed.
Jerry was diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago and he was given about a 20 percent chance of survival. He had extreme faith and was blessed with wonderful doctors that made inspired decisions that saved his life. He never complained and did everything they wanted him to do. Through it all Judy was at his side.
Ten years ago Judy decided to investigate the Mormon Church, as Jerry had always been a member. It was a very proud day for him when she was baptized and became an active member of the Church. Jerry was a faithful member of the high priest group.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife Judith A. Skinner ; his sons Roger J. Skinner and Troy L. Skinner, their wives Julie Skinner and Michelle Skinner; and four grandchildren, Kevin Skinner, Grant Skinner, Travis Skinner and Melisa Bussey. He is also survived by his youngest brother James (Jimmy) Skinner and his family. He was well loved by so many people. The family is blessed by the outpouring of affection and love that they have received.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00, May 19, 2018 at the Sun Valley Chapel, 5100 Sun Valley St., Las Vegas, NV 89122, with burial at 3:00 at Palm Cemetery, 7600 S. Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.
