In Loving Memory

Gerald "Jerry" Robert Davis

Gerald (Jerry) Robert Davis was born April 21, 1939 in Wallace, Idaho.  Barely 4 lbs, he was sent home from the hospital in a shoebox.  But the Lord had great plans for that little boy!  He grew up with his older sister, Beverly, and his younger sister, Carolyn. After graduating from Connell High School in 1957, Jerry joined the Army.  He had many adventures in Kitzingen, Germany as a medical records specialist at the hospital and playing in the Army's basketball league. Jerry served until the day of his 21st birthday.  Honorably discharged at Fort Dix, New Jersey on April 21, 1960, he drove his brand new BMW Volkswagen across the nation to get home.

He then attended EWU, and met many lifelong friends during this season of his life.  While other careers were opened to him, he knew that he wanted to be a teacher and a coach.

Jerry arrived at Curlew, Washington in 1966.  Mr. Davis (Coach Davis) became a trusted teacher, administrator and coach. One highlight of his coaching career was the Curlew Cougar 1972 boys' basketball state championship.  But he also had daily highlights during his leadership of Curlew School District.  He loved his job, and thoroughly enjoyed helping our school be an outstanding place to be a teacher and a student.

Jerry married Janice McIrvin on June 13, 1975 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was not only an amazing husband but also best friend to Jan.  Jerry and Jan enjoyed many years of a shared love for the students and community of Curlew.  In their retirement years they were so blessed to be able to travel extensively and enjoyed the adventure of visiting many exciting places.  Their union made each of them stronger as a team.

Jerry and Jan's daughter Kristen was born in August 1976.  Kristen hit the jackpot in the parent department.  The three lived on the Kettle River, enjoying the river, fishing, family, and as much volleyball, basketball, and softball practice as Jerry could fit into their day! Jerry's matchless blend of empathy, wisdom, and quiet humor made him a blessing as a dad.

Jerry retired from the Curlew School District in 1991, after 25 years of serving our school.  No community could have treated him better, and he always adored his little town of Curlew and all the families that made him feel so loved during his time there.

Jan retired in 2002, concluding her own wonderful 30 year career as a teacher and coach. The couple moved to Spokane, Washington and thus began their season of travel, vacations, and retirement fun.  Kristen married Andy Stinson in 2003, and soon Jerry had two grandsons:  Rett (born in 2006) and Grady (born in 2008).  Jerry and Jan soaked up every moment they could spend with Rett and Grady.  No two boys could have ever been more blessed than those boys were by their grandparents!

Jerry passed away from complications due to Parkinson's Disease on November 8, 2021.  He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jan; his daughter Kristen (Andy); his grandsons Rett and Grady; his sisters Beverly and Carolyn (Jim); and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Evelyn Davis, and his grandson, Riley James Stinson.  Jerry packed so much love, adventure, and kindness into his 82 years here on Earth. He is now in Heaven with his Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is healthy and whole--and probably playing someone a game of HORSE!

The family would like to lovingly thank the staff of Orchard Crest for their untiring care and support of Jerry and Jan during the final days of Jerry's life.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, November 22nd at 11:00 am at the Laurier Cemetery near Laurier, Washington on McIrvin Road. A memorial to celebrate Jerry's life will be held at 1:00 pm at the Agriculture and Trade Center in Colville, Washington. Pastor Roger Thiele will officiate.  Please visit the online memorial and sign Jerry's guest book at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com . Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Spokane.  Jerry would also love it if you remember him by taking your family out to a fun dinner!

Dad: We love you, and we cannot wait to see you in Heaven.  You left your mark of wisdom and grace on so many lives. Thank you for being such an amazing husband, dad, brother, father-in-law, grandpa, and friend.