Gerald (Jerry) Wilson (December 12, 1947 – April 14, 2026) passed away suddenly on Tuesday, April 14, at his home in Priest Lake Idaho. Sherman-Campbell Funeral and Cremation Services in Newport, WA is overseeing arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com and to join the memorial service detailed below.

Jerry Wilson was born December 12, 1947 in Spokane, Washington the fourth child of Ralph and Clara Wilson. His father was a manager in the lumber and construction business, and his mother was a homemaker. In 1966, Jerry graduated from John Rogers High School in Spokane and followed his father into the lumber and building trades. In May of 1971, he married Colleen Bookey of Marysville, Washington, who attended Gonzaga University. The couple moved to Monroe, Washington so Jerry could pursue his dream of teaching school.  They lived in Monroe from 1972 until Jerry retired in 2002. They moved to south Pierce County Washington where Jerry spent his time making furniture, a very large wooden boat and completely remodeled their home. When Colleen retired from Law Enforcement in 2017, they followed their hearts to the Priest Lake area where they had long had vacation property, and both had lots of childhood memories.

Jerry graduated from Eastern Washington State University and later returned to obtain his teaching certificate and additional upper division credits. His credentials would have permitted counseling or administration, but Jerry chose to remain in the classroom, saying "That's why I became a teacher."  Teaching English and History (among others) at Monroe High School for 30 years, the Masons awarded him "Teacher of the Year" in 1995. In 1996, the Leaders in Learning recognized him as a "Master Teacher" noting his "cooperative spirit and supportive nature". Having been a wrestler himself in high school and college, Jerry coached the Monroe High School team to a regional championship in 1975.

Jerry volunteered as a Planning Commissioner chairing the City of Monroe Planning Commission for 20 years, during a period of rapid growth and change. He received the City's "Volunteer of the Year" award in 1993.

Jerry never met a stranger or a good book he didn't want to read.  He loved history, archeological discoveries and research on human behavior.  He spent years deep into photography and made a dark room in his house and in the school.  He was curious about everything.  He drove the Alcan Highway twice and fished in Alaska and Canada for many years.  He had his own bow for hunting and went grizzly bear hunting once (he said that was enough!).  He loved a good cigar, a fine Scotch or just a gin and tonic ("cheap gin, please, with the best tonic you have) or a cold beer on the porch with friends.  He built beautiful fine furniture and lots of decks.  He also loved (and wrote) poetry, daffodils, rhubarb pie and a sunset from the boat after fishing.  He hated the band, Chicago, peanut butter and humus.

Through years of doctors and medicines, he soldiered on and lived his life with gusto.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Colleen (Bookey) Wilson of Priest Lake Idaho; his children, Erin Wilson and Vince Wilson, also of Priest Lake; his grandchildren, Vincent and Savannah Wilson; and his siblings, Ray Wilson, Don (Mary) Wilson, Carol Annis (Gene), and Keith (Marrianne) Wilson.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Inn at Priest Lake, 5310 Dickensheet Road, Coolin, Idaho. After the service, the family invites everyone to join them at their home 419 Arnold Road (about 5 minutes away) for food, beverages, and more shared memories--just as Jerry always said he wanted.

sign the guestbook please.

If flowers are your choice to send, please call Floral Traditions (208)-448-2611 or Safeway (509) 447-2506

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