Jerry Lee Armstrong

1936 - 2023

Jerry Lee Armstrong
June 26, 1936 - May 7, 2023
Garden City, Idaho - Jerry Lee Armstrong passed away on May 7, 2023, at the age of 86, after a long fight with Alzheimer's. He passed peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Jerry was born in Petoskey, Michigan, on June 26, 1936, the son of Harold and Freda Armstrong. He had 4 siblings, 2 sisters and 2 brothers.
Jerry served in the Army, in the 82nd Airborne, from 1954 to 1958. He was an outstanding boxer, winning the All Army and All Service Championships. In addition, he was a bantam weight boxer on the US Olympic Boxing team for the 1960 Olympics in Rome. Boxing provided him with a scholarship to attend Idaho State University, where he graduated in 1963. He was inducted into both the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame and the Idaho State University Hall of Fame. His love for boxing continued to the end of his life. After his own boxing career ended, he became a coach and a referee. He refereed over 150 professional bouts, and he coached many young boxers in the sport.
It was at Idaho State University where he met the love of his life, Kay Carter, and they were married on December 29, 1959. They were married for 63 wonderful years and raised three children, a son and 2 daughters.
Jerry worked for the State of Idaho for 32 years. He retired as the Director of Personnel for the Department of Health and Welfare in 1998.
Jerry was always very physically active and was an avid runner. He switched to walking as he got older and would walk for miles while listening to music on his Walkman and then later, his iPod.
Music was one of his passions and he would while away the hours listening to his favorites, Al Martino, James Ingram, Glen Campbell, Frank Sinatra and many, many others. He had a vast music collection (LP's, 45's, tapes, CD's, and videos) that he was especially proud of.
Jerry was a wonderful, loving, caring husband and father who took care of his family. He was also a great friend, role model, mentor, and coach to many others.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents (Harold and Freda), his siblings (Jim, Doug and Carol Ann). He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay, his sister, Donna, and his children, Penny McNamara (Doug), Pete Armstrong, and Pamela Armstrong. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Jerry requested that no services be held. He will be cremated and interred at Veteran's Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
His family wishes to thank Keystone Hospice for their wonderful care, especially the nurses, Ciarra and Miley.
Jerry, you were the love of my life for the last 63 years and I will cherish our wonderful memories for ever. Your loving wife, Kay.
Please visit Jerry's memorial webpage at: www.bowmanfuneral.com