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Jerry Whitehead Obituary
With deep sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved father, Retired Judge Jerry Carr Whitehead on October 12th at 86 years old. He was the son of James Whitehead and Elizabeth Carr, both educators. He grew up in rural Kansas and graduated from K.U. and then Washburn Law School.
He was proud of his military service. He and his wife, Joyce, moved from Kansas to Nevada as Jerry began his law career. Jerry remained here for the remainder of his life practicing as an attorney and serving as a Judge. He served as President of the Washoe Co School Board. Jerry and Janice reconnected at a Bonner High School Reunion.
Jerry's hobbies included equestrian events, family history, photography and shooting, running and sailing. He loved family, friends, country and God. Jerry was cherished by family and friends and admired by many. Survivors include Janice Boor; Children: Jeff Whitehead (Maureen), Jennifer Jill Felix (Brad), Jonathan Jay Whitehead, Jocelyn Peterson (Wynn), Joel Whitehead (Carolyn) and 19 Grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. God be with you till we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, please consider one of the following charities:
1.)UNLV Law School
2.)Washoe County School District
3.)charity of your choice
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Whitehead
Steven Scott Silvers
December 24, 2023
A major reason I decided to go to law school was because I watched him conduct a month long trial in Summer 1990 (Vance vs. CBS Records) after four years of legal wrangling. I am currently doing research surrounding his tenure as a judge and the circumstances under which he tendered resignation from the bench as a result. I had the privilege of interviewing him extensively in 1997 as a college student shortly after a case I was involved in was arbitrated by him. A fascinating man - one of the very few men I've met truly deserving the adjective "brilliant" - and he towered over most others in his grace, etiquette, and soft skills. Truly a remarkable man.
Melissa Porter-Salazar
January 26, 2021
I worked for Judge Whitehead for several years about 20 years ago. With no experience, he gave me an opportunity because I was a ranch kid. He was a kind, quiet man who loved practical jokes. I used to stay after work and talk to him, I loved listening to his stories and his knowledge. He gave me an opportunity that I will forever be grateful for which has lead to my career today. I have always admired him and his family. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for the loss of such a great man. For Jerry's family, I am so sorry for your loss and he will forever have a special place in my heart.
Lynne Allred
December 18, 2020
He was a wonderful and kind man. My condolences to his family. God bless you all.
Curtis Busby
November 16, 2020
My sincere condolences to Judge Whitehead’s family, friends and staff. I mediated dozens of cases with him over the past 20 years and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. He was very wise and very talented. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family and I hope you all will find comfort in knowing that your father/friend/colleague was a wonderful man and touched many lives for good.
Sean Johnson
October 23, 2020
I count myself very lucky to have met Judge Whitehead and had many wonderful conversations. Judge Whitehead possessed incredible intelligence and life experience, yet such a humble and honest nature.
Rick Cornell
October 22, 2020
I admired his Honor! My condolences to his family!
Annalisa
October 22, 2020
Joel, Cub, and the entire Whitehead Family - We are sending you all love and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Annalisa, Jason, and Family
Peter Neumann
October 20, 2020
Jerry Carr Whitehead was one of the great lawyers or our time. He served his country in the US Army, served his state of Nevada as a hard working, fair District Judge, and during the last two decades, served his profession by acting as a mediator of disputes that were in litigation. It is fair to say that he was one of the ten best known, and most appreciated, litigation mediators in the United States. His passing marks the end of an era.
John Boyden
October 19, 2020
I was a law clerk for the Judge, and there is no question he impacted my life immeasurably. I learned more with him one year than I did in the following ten years. The Judge was selfless and kind, and eager always to impart his knowledge to younger attorneys like myself. There is no greater gift in this world than having someone impart knowledge, and to take the time to do it. I truly enjoyed my year with him, and our friendship. I know the other law clerks feel the same way. The Judge was a central force in our legal careers and I cannot thank him enough. I also want to add that I have known the Whitehead family for years, going back to high school, where I was friends with the Judge's children. The Whitehead family is one of those families that set the bar pretty darn high. It has been a pleasure growing up with them and I consider them all friends of mine and know our friendships will continue. I am very sorry for all of them during this difficult time, and I, along with my entire Boyden family, extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Whitehead family. We are all so lucky to have the Judge in our lives and that is something that can never be taken away. Rest in peace my wonderful mentor. John Boyden.
Robyn McDowell Lightner
October 19, 2020
Fond memories... Breen, McDonald and Young. Only 55+ years ago. You were Only an associate and had so many adventures to conquer I had of you.
Condolences and prayers to the Whitehead family.
Scott and Joyce Seegmiller
October 18, 2020
So sorry for your loss.
Dan Carvalho
October 17, 2020
A legal legend who gave me some of the best advice of my career. Nevada lost a special one. Condolences to his family.
James Troup
October 17, 2020
One of my mentors past away recently. Was a special guy. Everyone in every business needs that person to assist your potential and Judge Whitehead was that guy!!!!
Audrey & Darrel Jones
October 17, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Steve Kosach
October 16, 2020
May your memory be eternal, my friend.
Steve Kosach
Rick Heaney
October 16, 2020
I was so saddened to hear of Judge Whitehead’s passing. I was fortunate many years ago to be a part of his election committee, and that lead to being a friend. Although I haven’t seen him for years I considered him to always be a good man, and true to his word. My sincere condolences to his family. Rick Heaney
Nancy Radford (Eichbaum)
October 16, 2020
Our prayers and condolences to the Whitehead family. I have such fond memories of our childhoods swimming together and he one of the dads. He was a fine man. Our community was blessed by his years of service. I know he is joyfully welcomed into his next expression until you meet again.
Tom Ciesynski
October 15, 2020
Thank you Judge Whitehead for your decades of service to the citizens of Nevada as well as cases you were involved in around the country. Your vast wisdom was at the very highest level and your willingness to help people was priceless. You were a dear friend to my family and a role model to me and so many more. Rest in piece you great warrior, your work and legacy are here for all of us to remember.
John W Mishler
October 15, 2020
Our prayers and sympathy go out to Janice and the family. Jerry was a good friend and neighbor. We will sorely miss his kind manner and sense of humor.
Brent Adams
October 14, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Brent Adams
October 14, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Brent Adams
October 14, 2020
Judge Whitehead was a uniquely gifted trial judge. I am grateful for our service together on the Second Judicial District Court and our friendship since he retired from office.
What made him such a great judge?
He was modest, patient and innovative. Most importantly, he was tireless.
Judge Whitehead pioneered judicial settlement conferences in Nevada. In public and private practice he saved people and companies the costs, risk and ordeal of litigation. He resolved thousands of disputes in Nevada and throughout the nation.
Judge Whitehead had a very successful private practice after he left office.But we should honor the thousands of settlement conferences he conducted as a district just at no cost to anyone.
Henry James wrote, “We do what we can. We give what we have. Our task is our passion and our passion is our task.” Justice Holmes write,”The joy and duty of life are one.” So it was with Judge Whitehead. In and out of the courtroom he was the best of the best. He worked passionately and tirelessly to make a difference. And he did. His record of selfless accomplishment will endure.
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