JERRY JAMES BYRNES

July 19, 1937 – November 8, 2017

Jerry Byrnes lived just over 80 years, enjoying many of the little things in life. He passed away peacefully at home after succumbing to advanced cancer.

He was the tenth child of 12 children, born in Logan, Utah to Michael and Violet Byrnes. He went to school in Logan and spent his free time picking beans, milking cows or any other odd jobs that would contribute to his family. After graduating from high school in 1955, he enlisted in the Navy and became a Boilerman, 2nd class on the USS Roosevelt Carrier. During his time in the Navy he had the opportunity to travel the world, going to places such as France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Rome, and the Mediterranean Sea. He remained in the Navy Reserves until June of 1963 when he was honorably discharged.

Standard Oil Company brought Jerry to Elko, Nevada where he met and married Donna Botsford in 1959. Together they raised four children, Kathryn, Mark, Blaine, and Julie. He spent his early married years working for his in-laws, Tomas and Ruth Eguilior at Wildhorse, where they ranched and ran the bar. They also guided hunters and fishermen. Jerry spent most of his early career in the auto part business, beginning at PM Supply. To support his family, he took on a second job working for the Elko Police Department. He eventually started Elko Supply Company in 1968 and sold Yamaha snowmobiles. That endeavor resulted in the purchase of Bellinger Motors which became City Auto Parts in 1975. After selling out in 1978, Jerry went to work for Elko Truck Service while running Mister Ice and Storage on the side, with the help of his sons, Mark and Blaine. In 1980 he went to work at DuPont Cyanide Plant near Carlin and finished his career turning wrenches at Wright Motors before retiring in 1999, when he moved to Gold Creek to enjoy his "golden years". He spent many years enjoying the sunrises, the seasons, the occasional passerby, and of course, his family. Reading history books and snowmobiling were his favorite past times.

In 2006, he married Evelyn Urrizaga and juggled his time between Elko and Gold Creek.

He is survived by his wife Evelyn, sons Mark (Valerie) and Blaine, daughters Kathryn and Julie, grandchildren Dominic, David, Travis, Tyler, Staci and Tomasenia and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Pat and Joe, sisters Mary Henry, Helen and Blossom, along with many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Mick, Bob, Tom, David and sisters Rose and Marigold.

There will be a Celebration of Jerry's life held at the Basque House in Elko, on Friday, November 17 at 3:00 pm. A brief reflection of his life will take place at 3:30 pm. Please join Jerry's family for this celebration.