Jerry Michael Jennings

There are some fish that cannot be caught. Its not that they're faster or stronger than the other fish, they're just touched by something extra The tapestry of Jerry Michael Jennings' life is rich with texture and colors. Any attempt to simply summarize it with a list of dates and statistics would miss the most important parts. He was as sentimental as he was tough, strong, tender, shrewd, and curious. Jerry's family meant everything to him. He married Kirsten, the love of his life, and they celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary June 20, 2016. The moments of his greatest joy and source of pride were spent supporting his children in all of their sports and activities. He lived for the moments when he could see his kids shine and instilled self confidence, work ethic, tenacity and a fearless sense of adventure in each of them. He modeled life lessons in fairness, a sense of duty and honor. He never lost his playful nature and tremendous sense of humor. It is said that Jerry knew people everywhere he went. He built countless lasting friendships and treasured each one. Jerry spent more than 35 years as a general contractor. In 1975, he assumed the responsibility for running the family business, Bonstan Construction, with his mom. The company built many roads and developments throughout the Portland metro area. His entrepreneurial spirit started early and he always loved working with his family. He made donuts with his grandpa to sell to the neighbors. He hitch-hiked with his friend to pick summer fruit. One of his first real jobs was as a bus driver for Rose City Transit in Portland. After retiring from the construction business, he and Craig Selleck operated Northwest Saw until 2011. Jerry spent the last two years enjoying his new Gentlemans Farm with his family on the banks of the Willamette River. He found great contentment tending his beautiful garden, riding his lawn mower and taking care of his chickens. These simple pleasures took him back to his childhood and time spent with his Grandma Wulf. His love of animals continued throughout his life. His dogs, Bailey Jane and Boomer, were among his favorite companions. His passions were steeped in family tradition, nostalgia, and a lifelong love of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where he was born and raised. Jerry's family and friends have so many beautiful memories of hunting, fishing, and happy times spent on the Washington coast digging clams. He loved music, bowling, movies, his mom's gravy, the sun, family gatherings, his sister's cobbler and basketball. He had been a proud Trail Blazers' season ticket holder since 1977. He also loved classic cars. He bought his first Corvette when he was 20 years old. Many years later, he bought and restored another black 1962 Corvette to relive the memory of that first one. Jerry joined the National Corvette Restorers Society and the car ultimately received prestigious awards including Top Flite, N.C.R.S. Performance Award, Duntov Award, and Bloomington Gold. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016, at New Hope Communinity Church, 11731 S.E. Stevens Rd., Happy Valley, OR, 97086. A reception will follow at the Monarch Hotel, 12566 S.E. 93rd Ave., Clackamas, OR, 97015. To most appropriately honor the life and legacy of Jerry Jennings, the family requests selfless good deeds and acts of kindness be done in his memory. Jerry Michael Jennings, born July 30, 1947, in Chehalis, Wash., passed away July 2, 2016, at home in West Linn. His surviving loving family includes his wife, Kirsten Jennings; children, Dawn, Jason, Joel, Jaclyn, Jake, Julia and Jered; mother, Genevieve "Jenny" Bonner; mother-in-law, Becky Butler; siblings, Lisa Bruce and Roy Bonner III; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 10 nieces and nephews; and countless extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Walt Jennings and his stepfather, L. Roy Bonner II.