Jerry Jones

Jerry Don Jones, a businessman, volunteer, and friend-in-need to countless Durangoans, died Monday, April 18, 2022, at Mercy Hospice House in Durango, Colorado. He was 78.
Jones was born April 30, 1943, in Russellville, Arkansas, the fourth of six children of James and Beulah (Scott) Jones. The family moved to Oklahoma when Jerry was 3 months old so his father could find work during World War II.
A defining moment in Jerry’s life occurred when he was 10. He was accidentally shot in the head and neck with a shotgun blast while rabbit hunting with a family friend. After surgery to remove numerous pellets, and nearly two months in a coma, he began a 1½-year process of rehabilitation, relearning to walk, talk, and perform everyday tasks. He was left permanently legally blind.
In the story of his life, Jerry persevered. He graduated in 1962 from Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. He was set to start vocational school in Kansas City when his mother, who had dedicated her life to Jerry’s well-being, died suddenly. Jerry began working, eventually taking a job at Levine’s department store in Sand Springs as assistant manager. He was promoted in 1972 to manage a Levine’s in Tulsa.
Meanwhile, his first marriage, to Carolyn Eastin, ended in divorce. They had one daughter, Dawn Renee, born in 1967. His second marriage was to Judy Bagwell on June 14, 1968, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their only child, Jennifer Dawn Jones, was born May 7, 1973. With Jennifer just a few weeks old, Jerry took a job offer as store manager of Levine’s at 871 Main Avenue in Durango, and the family moved there in June 1973.
Jerry jumped into the community, and was named president of the Durango Retail Merchants Association for 1976. He helped set up a downtown haunted house for Halloween, and also helped Durango Police create an anti-shoplifting system.
In 1977, Jerry and Judy took a leap of faith and bought A&H Bootery at 842 Main. They renamed it J&J Bootery, and operated it until 1984. When they closed the bootery they rented the space to Brown Sport Shoe.
Jerry immediately took a 20-year-long position with Community Connections, which helps clients with disabilities to find jobs, homes, and more. He became a volunteer with Adaptive Sports Association, and became involved with First Southern Baptist Church in Durango, later being named deacon. He served on the local Salvation Army’s board of directors, and was presented an award by Volunteers of America in 1995 for “loyal support” of the Durango Community Shelter.
Although he couldn’t drive (once he snuck into a family car and drove it into a ditch), his obsession with cars never abated. He bought a 1937 Chevy, then a 1936 Chevy, and became involved in the Durango-area Old Car Club.
Jerry was a fixture around town on a bicycle. For many years, despite failing vision and other physical problems (a truck mowed him down in 2008 and sent him to the hospital), he continued to ride. Many may recall seeing Jerry riding his recumbent bicycle along Florida Road, an orange flag waving high off the back for visibility. When he stopped riding a few years ago, Jerry donated the recumbent to Adaptive Sports.
After being invited by Duane Fiorini to join a daily morning group at Durango Coffee Co., Jerry became a regular with the bunch. His dedicated friend and guardian angel, Jim Peters, made sure Jones got there and back almost every morning. The group members would tell you Jerry could be cantankerous and downright ornery, but also thoughtful and exceedingly generous. He kept good relationships with his four sisters in Oklahoma and Texas, and helped them as he could.
Jerry Jones was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer; a brother, William Jones; and a sister, Lois Watson.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judy; a daughter, Dawn Terracina (Terrance) of Schriever, Louisiana; two granddaughters; three great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at First Southern Baptist Church, 1715 West Second Ave., Durango. Viewing will precede the service at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to coloradogives.org