Jerry L. Morris

1945 - 2025

Jerry L. Morris February 16, 1945 - March 30, 2025 Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry L. Morris will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cle Elum with burial to follow at Roslyn Memorial Gardens. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4 also at St. John's. Viewing for family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Cle Elum. Mr. Morris, 80, a lifetime Upper County resident, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue.

Jerry was born on February 16, 1945, in Cle Elum, Washington, and was a beloved member of the Roslyn/Cle Elum community. He graduated from Cle Elum/Roslyn High School and went on to receive an associate's degree from Bellevue Community College. In 1969, Jerry married Lynn Morris, and they shared nearly 56 wonderful years together.

In 1979, Jerry moved back to his hometown of Roslyn, bringing his family with him. He was widely known as the town barber, opening his one-chair shop in the early 1980s, where he cut the hair of locals and celebrities alike. During the filming of the Emmy-awarded television show "Northern Exposure," Jerry worked as a background extra and was eventually cast in three episodes as Earl the barber. One of these episodes won an Emmy and Jerry received an Emmy certificate for his participation, which he proudly displayed in his barbershop and home for many years.

Jerry loved his family deeply and cherished his faith. He was a member of the St. John the Baptist/Immaculate Conception Catholic parishes where he taught catechism classes and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a great love for St. Therese of Lisieux and took the opportunity to visit the small French town where this famous saint grew up.

Jerry served on the Roslyn Volunteer Fire Department for much of his adult life, eventually retiring when age dictated. He was an elected member of the Cle Elum Roslyn School Board for several terms, the Swauk-Teanaway Grange, and joined numerous community organizations supporting his hometown of Roslyn.

Jerry was also an excellent accordion player and enjoyed playing in bands with his sister during his younger days. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and rock hunting for Ellensburg Blues. He was also an excellent artist with a unique style using watercolor paint and fine tip black ink pens. He authored, illustrated, and published a book of short stories he collected from his older customers who had been living in the upper county for many years, aptly titled "Before the Last Story Teller is Gone."

Jerry is survived by his wife Lynn Morris, his sister Janice Seresun, his son Fr. Sean Morris, his daughter Heather Morris Tuip and son-in-law Martin Tuip, and his grandchildren Dragan and Sanna Tuip as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jerry will be remembered for his warm heart, dedication to his community, and unwavering love for his family and faith. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com