Jerry Lee Gould

Jerry Lee Gould, a hero to many, passed away peacefully at home on Friday May 9, 2025, at the young age of 82. Jerry was known by many names including, Butch, son, brother, cousin, husband, father, uncle and his most treasured, "Papa". Jerry was a fighter to the end, but his "ticker" (heart), finally wore out and he received his ticket to heaven. In his final months, he was sure to ask everyone if they had their ticket to heaven as well.
Jerry was born to Ray and Nina Gould on March 26, 1943, in The Black Hills of Custer South Dakota. He was one of nine brothers and sisters which set the foundation for his deep love of family. Jerry attended both Nampa and Parma High Schools and has many friends from those treasured years. After high school, he married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Barr. They have been married for 61 years. Together, they had 3 children, Kevin, Chanette and Mike.
Jerry started working for the Boise Fire Department in 1964. He created lasting friendships in his servanthood to the citizens of Boise. In his time at the fire department, he helped create and served in the Boise Fire Department Dive and Rescue Team, volunteered for many organizations but his favorite was raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethons. He quickly became a legend with his fellow fireman for the crazy pranks he played, one making national news. Those stories continue to circulate to this day. He retired as a Captain of the Boise Fire Department in 1989 but continued to drive semi-trucks for Yellow Freight for many years and enjoyed the banter of the CB radio. He was extremely proud that both his sons followed in his footsteps, Kevin is a retired Boise Fire Fighter and Mike is a Captain in The Meridian Fire Department. His grandson Travis Taugher is a Captain for Boise Fire Department, and his grandson Chris Lugo is a Nampa Firefighter. His legacy for caring and firefighting will continue. His daughter Chanette also followed his servant heart and became an RN.
Jerry struggled with alcohol addiction for many years although many people did not know this. He was the life of every party in his drinking years and after his sobriety. After attending Rolly Hills Treatment Center, he found sobriety and asked God for forgiveness, inviting Jesus to be his savior once again- a profound turning and transformation point in his life. His greatest success was obtaining sobriety and reconnecting with Christ in March of 1983. Jerry had 42 years of sobriety. He was a mentor to many people with and without addictions.
Papa Jerry was a man whose heart knew no bounds. He had a unique ability to make everyone feel loved and cared for. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone. He spent hundreds of hours making rounds visiting family and friends in his retirement, drinking coffee with his coffee buddies, ensuring he obtained the latest gossip and pushing his jokes to the edge of the limit. His family was his pride and joy, and he was blessed with not only his biological children, grandchildren and great grandchildren but all those that felt his love and were blessed to call him Papa Jerry. He treated everyone like they were family. All the kids at church called Jerry, Papa and looked forward to his high-fives, hugs and pockets full of candy.
Papa Jerry was a huge sports fan. He loved watching his sons, grandsons and granddaughters play sports and continued this love by supporting many youths in their athletic adventures. Jerry enjoyed years of hunting, fishing, camping, boating, water skiing, watching football, and golfing in his life. He made every moment an adventure and a laugh. He had a unique way of making everyone feel loved and special.
You always knew where you stood with Jerry, he was as genuine as they come. He didnt mince words and always spoke his mind, whether you liked it or not. That is what made him who he was. His honesty, caring, and huge heart, made him a pillar in the lives of all who knew him.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ray and Nina Gould, his in-laws, Jack and Roberta Barr, his brothers Delbert, Jim, Dean, Pete, Dick and his sisters Pam Maiden and Donna Jean Warren and his granddaughter Morgan Gould.
He is survived by his wife Arlene, son Kevin, daughter Chanette Fretwell (Sam), son Mike Gould (Robin). His grandchildren Mikayla (Travis) Taugher, Kiera Gould, Kelsea, Kassidy, Jared and Karlee Fretwell, Zachary and Cody Gould, Alex (WV) Meyer, Christopher Lugo Pedraza, Brody Babeneau and Dennis Korneychuk. His great grandchildren Brixlee Fretwell, Henry and Georgia Taugher, Alena Korneychuk, and Ella, Addie and Gia Meyer as well as his sister Sharon Henderson and brother in-law Clint Warren and many nieces, nephews and friends.
John 14: 26-27
But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Donations may be made to the Boise Fire Department Local 149 Burnout Fund or the Meridian Fire Department Local 2311 Burnout Fund in honor of Jerry Gould.
Dad/Papa we are all better because of the impact you have made in our lives. We have our ticket and will see you soon.
Services
Funeral Service
Tuesday
May 20, 2025
2:00 PM
Christian Faith Center - Nampa
31 S. Midland Blvd
Nampa, ID 83651 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jerry, please visit our Tree Store.