Jerry was born and raised in Portland, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1958. While in high school, he met a young lady name Janet Lott, who was part of the same circle of friends. Unbeknownst to Jerry, Janet had been in love with him since she was 15! After finishing school, the two of them eloped, and married April 9, 1959 in Reno, Nevada.
Joe and Jerry started a motorcycle import business called Kawasaki City. They kept the business until 1973 when they sold and Jerry moved to Woodland, Washington. After leaving the motorcycle business, Jerry worked as a millwright with Multnomah Plywood in St. Helens, Oregon. In order to get to work he would make a treacherous boat ride across the Columbia River twice a day. Over the years he had a few close calls. In 1978 Jerry began his dream of being a farmer when he planted his first raspberries at Dobbins Berry Farm in Woodland. He had his first crop in 1980. Jerry kept his day job for about 10 years, when he was finally able to be a farmer full time. After the 2017 harvest season he retired and let one of the grandkids take over.
Jerry was a board member of the Washington State Red Raspberry Commission. As a board member he had the opportunity to testify in front of Congress. He spoke on the Raspberry Anti-Dumping lawsuit in Washington, DC.
He was also a long time member of the Church of the Nazarene in Ridgefield. When Jerry wasn’t working (which was like a hobby to him) he loved to travel and spend time with his family, especially the grandkids.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Janet; children, Steve (Kathi) Dobbins and Karen (Rod) Nelson; Grandchildren, Kevin, Megan, Jason, Chelsea, Kamille, Parker, Craig, Jacob, Chloe and Christopher; great-grandchildren, Cohen, Josiah, Bristol, Elisha, Isaiah, Baby Arah, and Baby Sophie; and brother, Chuck (Barbara) Dobbins. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Rikard; and sister, Janice Schultz.
A Celebration of life will be 1:00PM, Saturday, January 27th at the Church of the Nazarene, 747 Pioneer St., Ridgefield, Washington 98642.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Dobbins Memorial – Camps, P.O. Box 118, Ridgefield, Washington 98642
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