Obituary of Jerry Walter Collins Jr.

Jerry was born August 7, 1962, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Jerry W. Collins Sr. and Mary K. (Kristof) Collins. His father served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years, so he traveled the world with his family wherever they were stationed. He went to high school in Subic Bay, Philippines, and graduated from George Dewey High School in 1980.

 

Following high school, Jerry joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served as a Navy Corpsman from 1981 to 1995, when he was honorably discharged. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara (Bowman) Collins, in 1982. They were divorced in 1989. He then met the love of his life, Tammy Lunsford and they were married for almost 35 years (1989-2024). They had a son in 1989 and a daughter in 1996.

 

After his military retirement, Jerry attended and graduated from Chemeketa Community College with an associates degree (1995-1997). He then worked for the Oregon Department of Human Services for 10 years (1996-2006), and the Social Security Administration for a couple of years (2006-2008), and then for the Veterans Administration (2008-2024), totaling 10 years state service and over 30 years of federal service!

 

Jerry was very proud of his military service and being able to help veterans get the compensation that they deserved. He was beloved by so many due to his positive, friendly character and his special ability to be a peacemaker in most situations.

 

Jerry loved God, music, and singing (especially Jimmy Buffet songs). He had a loud booming voice and a great sense of humor. He was very intelligent and great at trivia. He was adventurous (running Iron Man competitions, traveling the world) and enjoyed scuba diving in his youth. His real passion in life though was his family, who he protected fiercely, loved deeply, and would do anything for!

 

Jerry passed away February 10, 2024, in Olympia, Washington. He was survived by his wife, Tammy; son, Christopher; daughter, Meghan; sister, Carol; and his two granddaughters (the lights of his life), Penelope and Charlotte.

 

HE WILL BE FOREVER MISSED AND IN OUR HEARTS!!

 

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 240th St., Kent, WA 98042

 

There will be a Celebration of life on Saturday, March 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Church of God, 4395 Independence Hwy, OR 97351.

 

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