Gerald "Jerry" Ernest Sommers

Gerald “Jerry” Ernest Sommers, age 75, of Cave Junction, died Friday, September 26, 2014 at his home.

Gerald 'Jerry' Ernest Sommers was born on February 22, 1939 in Arkansas City, Kansas. While he lived there, he worked in oil fields and then moved to California at the age of seventeen. He owned and operated an auto-mechanic shop and gas station. He married Janice in 1962 and they had three daughters, Laurie, Rebecca and Jacque. They moved to Oregon in 1973 and he opened an auto-mechanic shop in Cave Junction, Jerry's Auto Repair & Towing.
Jerry was a member of the Masons and also a member of the Lion's Club since 1975, where he founded the Cave Junction Tuff Trucks. He was an avid bowler, loved motorcycle riding, fishing and hunting. He went to many auctions with his granddaughter, Mahkayla. He enjoyed coaching his grandson, Jesse and the wrestling team and was a passionate sports fan. The Broncos were his favorite football team. He liked to go to breakfast with his buddies. He also loved ranching, working on his property and was a fan of Louis L'amour.
Jerry helped out a lot of people and truly enjoyed doing so. He dearly loved his grandchildren, Jesse, Mahkayla and Gracie. He was an outstanding husband, father and grandfather who worked very hard to take care of his family and supported all of their endeavors such as 4-H, FFA and all of the sports that they participated in.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Janice, daughters Laurie, Rebecca and Jacque, son in-law, Ken, grandchildren, Jesse, Mahkayla and Gracie.
Jerry was genuinely a unique, one-of-a-kind, spirited soul who was very well known and will be forever missed by all who knew him.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Illinois Valley High School Wrestling Club, C/O IVHS Bookkeeping, Diana Hall, 625 E. River Street, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523.

A Potluck Celebration of Life will be held at the Lions Clubhouse (located at the Illinois Valley Airport) Saturday, October 11th, 2014 at 1 pm. If you would like to bring a dish, please call Joy at 541-660-3649. Illinois Valley Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.