Jerry E. Morgan

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jerry E. Morgan, on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 84. He was a gentle giant.

Jerry was born in Marysville, CA, on May 24, 1941. His parents were Raymond Morgan and Christine Morgan.

At the age of eight years old, he, his mom, and three younger brothers, moved to a dairy farm owned by his grandparents, Linna and Malcolm Goostree, in Arboga, CA.

The experience of working on the farm set his work ethic for the rest of his life. Jerry's hands became strong at an early age from milking cows each morning.

Many people would remark about this strength in his hands as he had a strong handshake. He would pass this work ethic and strength to his sons and grandchildren.

Later, Jerry and his family moved to Linda, CA. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1959.

In 1959, he met his future wife, Karen Gilbert. Karen had just moved from Oroville, CA, to Linda, CA. She looked into his big blue eyes and fell in love. Jerry and Karen were married in November 1961.

Also in November 1961, Jerry went to work at Frank M. Booth, Inc., as a sheet metal apprentice. He attended apprentice classes at Yuba College. His bosses felt he had completed his training and Jerry became a journeyman before the end of his apprenticeship.

He was employed at Frank M. Booth Inc. for 35 years. Jerry retired in 1966. Many of those years, he was the sheet metal shop foreman at the Marysville, CA, shop.

Jerry's work ethic was unparalleled. Many young apprentices learned the sheet metal trade from Jerry. Apprentices also learned to always be on time for work and to work hard all day.

Jerry was a generous teacher. Whether he was teaching life skills to his sons and grandchildren, teaching the trade to his apprentices, or teaching friends' children to waterski, he was always patient.

Jerry could fix anything. He had a mechanical mind. He built the trailer for the family ski boat. He also built the engine for the boat.

If he was building an engine, it was akin to an operating room with white cloths down and each item numbered and labeled to ensure the engine would be precise to put back together.

Even on vacation, Karen would remind him he did not have to fix the squeaky door at the hotel.

When Jerry became a father, and later a grandfather, those were titles he took seriously. He did not settle on being just a father and grandfather. His goal was always to be the best father and grandfather.

Jerry loved, along with Karen, attending all of their sons' sporting events. Later in life, they would attend many activities of the grandchildren.

Many forms of racing have been a part of Jerry's life. He raced motocross enduros and drag raced a B gasser, Huffy Puffy, and one cross country snow ski race.

In the summertime, the family spent a lot of time at the lake with relatives and friends, many day trips and overnight camping.

Jerry loved to waterski. He also spent many hours towing skiers behind the orange metal flake boat.

Jerry was generous to share his expertise with others.

Jerry and Karen were able to take a lot of vacations. Most trips were golf related vacations. There were trips attending sporting events also. They even traveled to Europe with their friend, Jan.

Jerry was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. The diagnosis was a life changer.

Survivors include his wife, Karen, of 63 years; his sons, Jeff (Kim), and John (Kelly); four grandchildren, Chase, Lily, Mason, and Jenna; in-laws, Kathleen Morgan, Joan and Craig Young, and Betty Gilbert; and many nieces and nephews.

We want to thank the many people who helped us navigate the dementia journey, our friend, Lavaune; our friend, D; our neighbors, especially Juan and Mona; our caregivers from Guardian Angels Homecare LLC., owned by Amy Rooney; her employees Dominique, Earlene, Irma, Jenni, and Laquita; also the staff at the Gardens Memory Care and the staff at Sutter Hospice.

To honor Jerry's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. We invite you to please privately celebrate Jerry's memory in your own ways. We know he will be with us all in spirit. Thank you for understanding during this difficult time. He has been inurned at Sutter Cemetery.

If you knew Jerry Morgan, you knew he was a special man. If you did not know Jerry, you missed out on knowing a great guy who cannot be replaced.

Please celebrate Jerry's life by donating to Shriner's Children's Hospital, 2425 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817, in his name.