Jerry Leonard Lemon

1942 - 2023

Jerry Leonard Lemon

1942-2023

Jerry Lemon, 81, of Eureka, California passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 28, 2023.
He was born to James and Loveda Lemon on January 17, 1942 in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry graduated from Eureka High School in 1960 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a 3rd Class Aerographer aboard the USS Pine Island, AV-12 from 1963-1964.
While stationed at Barber's Point, Hawaii, he met the love of his life, the late Brenda Lemon. Brenda, a beautiful, young Hawaiian girl was working the ticket booth at the local movie theater when a handsome sailor caught her eye and they fell in love. They married on December 8, 1962 at Ewa Community Church in Ewa, Hawaii.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1964, Jerry and Brenda returned to his hometown of Eureka, California, where they raised their two sons, John and Robert Lemon.
In 1969, Jerry began his long and prestigious career with Humboldt Fire District #1 and through those years he accomplished six shields. Fireman 1969-1971, Engineer 1971-1976, Lieutenant 1976-1977, Captain 1977-1982, Battalion Chief 1982-1985 and Assistant Chief 1985-1990. Jerry was a member of the arson investigation team, a certified training officer for the fire department and also a lifetime member of the California Fire Chiefs Association, among many other honors and awards for service.
Upon taking early retirement from HFD#1, Jerry continued to serve and protect by becoming the Port Director for Humboldt Bay with the US Customs and Homeland Security for over thirteen years until he retired.
We will cherish the stories he shared and remember them always. He was a war historian and could recall facts like no other. Jerry could tell a joke with the perfect punch line and get you to laugh every time. When it came to music, no other artist compared to Buddy Holly. He was a lover of vintage and mid century cars and could tell the year, make and model of a vehicle just by looking at it. Jerry won many awards for the restoration of his '35 Ford. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He always looked forward to the monthly Fireman's lunch with all his fire department family and could always brighten the room with his warm smile and sense of humor.
Jerry is preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Loveda Lemon, his loving wife Brenda Lemon of 48 years. His brothers Merle Lemon and Eugene Austin.
Jerry is survived by his two sons John and Shaun Lemon from Fallbrook, CA, Robert and Christina Lemon from McKinleyville, CA. His grandchildren Brittany and Nate Cornacchia from Spanaway, WA, James Lemon from Fallbrook, CA, Samantha and Michael Cardozo from McKinleyville, CA, Amanda and Jesse Clark from East Freedom, PA, Lisa and Stefan Martinez from Redding, CA, Jennifer Lemon from Arcata, CA and also by his eight great grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Lynda Briggs from Eureka, CA, Sally Austin from Medford, OR and Karen Rathbun from Central Point, OR and his nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jerry was cremated on July 5th, 2023 and placed beside his loving wife, Brenda. They are resting in peace together back home, until further preparations can be made to have them laid to rest where it all began on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life in Jerry's honor, to be held at the Eureka Veterans Memorial Hall on August 26th, 2023 from 1-3pm. 1018 H Street, Eureka. This will be a casual dress event.