Gerald “Jerry” Howard Dunn was born in 1932, in Clayton, NM, to Jack “John” Howard Dunn and Lois (Rainwater) Dunn. He died peacefully on August 24, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was raised in Colorado and New Mexico until his family settled in Santa Monica, CA. He had a younger sister, Yvonne “Vonnie” Dunn. He was on the swim team at Venice High School, where he met his first wife, Fern (Nepveux) Dunn. He graduated in 1950. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years as an Airport Control Operator. He was stationed in the Philippines and Hawaii. On June 19, 1952, Jerry and Fern were married in Hawaii. They had three children; Gregg (Shelly) Dunn, Barbara Jo “Bobbi” (Tim) Bourbonnais, and Karen Lee “Karri” (Dale) Moore. After his discharge from the Navy in 1955, they returned to California, where Jerry worked at his father’s service station. They moved to Riverside, CA. in 1960, when Jerry was hired by the Riverside Police Department (RPD). During his career at RPD, Jerry achieved the rank of Sergeant. He worked in patrol, detectives and traffic, and was the first Sgt. in charge of the newly-formed training unit. His favorite job was supervising the investigations unit, especially the homicide unit. He was a highly respected and well-liked supervisor. In 1967, Jerry was involved in an officer involved shooting, for which he was awarded the Medal of Valor. He was shot by the suspect, whom he shot and killed. Jerry retired due to medical reasons on August 29, 1980. He continued working as an insurance fraud investigator for several more years. In the mid-80’s, he became reacquainted with a former classmate and friend of Fern’s, Barbara “B.J.” Miller, at a high school alumni gathering, some 35 years after their graduation. In 1988, they moved to Los Osos and married. They remained married for 28 years, until his death. Jerry and B.J. enjoyed traveling around the country in their motorhome. They remained close to many of their Venice High classmates, often hosting large gatherings at their home. They always had two dogs. If Jerry was sitting down, it was certain that one or both of the dogs were in his lap or at his feet. He was an avid reader. Jerry is survived by his wife, his children, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on Sept. 3, 2016, at 2:00 PM, at Los Osos Valley Memorial Park, in Los Osos, CA. A celebration of life will immediately follow at the same location.
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