Jerry Harris

1941 - 2023

William Jerry Harris, 82, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away on August 16, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jerry was born May 19, 1941, at home in Salem, Idaho, to William Spence and Ruth (Park) Harris. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Sugar City, Idaho. During his Senior year of High School, Jerry took the state title in Welding. He graduated from Sugar-Salem High School and received a scholarship to the University of Idaho, but he chose not to attend.

On January 31, 1961, he married Norma Lee Romrell. To this union were born six children. The family made their home in Salem. The couple later divorced.

He held numerous jobs. He became a supervisor at Roger Brothers Potato, then went to work for the International Dealer in Ririe and transitioned to Stone's Town and Country as a farm machinery mechanic. From there, he went to Gem State Irrigation before starting his career in the laser land leveling industry. On top of all of that, he was a rancher and a farmer. He usually found success in anything he did.

Jerry was well known throughout the valley for his welding skills and ability to fix or repair close to anything. He was an avid hunter and a skilled fisherman. In his later years, he developed many hobbies, from restoring old cars and tractors to hunting arrowheads. His passions led him to become a master flint knapper and the study of Native American History. If he wasn't in his shop, you could locate him in Valley Wide catching up on the latest news.

Jerry came across as a rough, tough, hard-shelled man, but deep down, he was extremely giving and willing to assist where any help may be needed. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His favorite calling was Emergency Preparedness and Survival, where he designed, built, and installed hand water pumps throughout the Salem Wards. He was fascinated with Genealogy and family history.

Jerry is survived by his children; Rick Harris, Tracy Harris, Sheri (Robert) Bear, Suzette (Kevin) Clay, Chad (Allison) Harris, Josh (Crystal) Harris, and not to forget his favorite four-legged friend, Chester, 24 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren. Brothers: Lorin (Cathy) Harris and Randy (Rita) Harris. Sisters: Cheryl (Nyle) Tanner and Sandy (John) Dexter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Becky Paesl and brother-in-law Reed Paesl.

The viewing will be held on Friday, August 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Salem Ward Chapel, 3462 North Salem Road. The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 19, at 11:00 a.m. at the Salem Ward Chapel, preceded by the family receiving friends from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Sugar City, Idaho Cemetery.