Gerald Ramey

1933 - 2022

Gerald David Ramey, 89, of Edmonds, WA, passed away on May 11, 2022. Jerry was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, friend, teacher and coach who impacted numerous lives. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Jerry's greatest blessing was his partner in love and life -- the former Nancy Anne Nasman; they married in 1961 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 10, 2021. Jerry was born in Potlach, Idaho to Beatrice and Loach Ramey. He attended grade school in Spokane, before moving with his parents to Seattle. There he enrolled at Lincoln High School with his twin sister JoAnn, played halfback on the football team and was named Senior King in 1951. Jerry was a proud Lincoln Lynx his entire life and helped with the school's reunion committee into his 80s. He went on to the University of Washington where he played football and joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He later transferred to Western Washington University to continue his football career and earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. He returned to UW in 1967 to earn his Master of Science degree in Physical Education. Jerry began his teaching and coaching career in 1957 and retired 36 years later in 1993. He taught and coached at Monroe Junior High School, Monroe High School, Mt. Rainier High School, Tyee High School, Thompson Junior High School, and Ingraham High School. "Coach Ramey" taught English, History, Health Education and Physical Education and coached football, wrestling, basketball, baseball, track, and soccer throughout the years. He helped coach Ingraham football teams that won six Metro league northern division championships, three Metro championships and finished second in state in 1979. As the Rams' first wrestling coach, he led a number of his wrestlers to the State Tournament. His teams were known for their toughness, work ethic and sportsmanship - a clear reflection of himself. Jerry was a life-long Christian. He began attending University Presbyterian Church in high school and soon after became a member. He also participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization during his career. He was always ready and willing to help someone, whether it was a stranger, one of his players needing a ride home, or later in life, when he helped at-risk children with reading. Jerry was a collector of people and things. He loved to make new friends, as well as meet up with long-time pals, fellow coaches and former students. Jerry rarely passed up a garage sale sign and usually came home with sports memorabilia or other vintage items to add to his vast trove of treasures. Beside his love and passion for family, Jerry's interests included cheering on his Huskies and Mariners, boating, fishing and crabbing at Hood Canal, steelhead fishing in the Kalama River and travelling with Nancy. Jerry is survived and dearly loved by his wife Nancy, sons Chick (Mary) and John (Lisa); grandchildren Nikki (Gabe), Morgan (Pat), Madison, Jason, Meghan (Michael) and Cameron (Claire); brother-in-law Chuck (Kathy), sister-in-law Carol (George), sister-in-law Sally (Jeff); five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Curly, sisters Barbara (Wayne) and JoAnn, brother Jack (Betty) and brother-in-law Jim. We all are blessed to have had Jerry in our lives! There will be a memorial service at University Presbyterian Church, 4540 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Run to Win at www.runtowin.org, University Presbyterian Church at www.upc.org/give/ or a charity of your choice. Memories may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com February 21, 1933 - May 11, 2022