Jerry Lee Garrott

Jerry Lee Garrott, 93, died peacefully on May 2, 2018, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

He was born to Ashton D. and Doris (Johnson) Garrott on April 3, 1925, in Palatka, Florida. Jerry graduated from Peoria Central High School in 1943. He attended Franklin College in Indiana and enlisted in the Naval Air Corps where he served for three years during World War II. In 1949, he graduated from Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois. While at Bradley he met Marile Dyslin, his beloved wife of 68 years. They were married Sept. 3, 1949, in Peoria. She preceded him in death this year on Jan. 5, 2018.

Jerry had a very satisfying 35-year career as a jeweler and gemologist. Together, Jerry and Marile co-founded Jerry Garrott Jewelers in Peoria. He was active in the First Presbyterian Church, Rotary, Shrine, Masons, Scottish Rite, Jesters, and the Cosmopolitan Club. Jerry served as a member of the Board of Directors with the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois as well as Chairman. He co-founded the Peoria Ski Club in 1959. In the 1970s, Jerry found enjoyment piloting his hot air balloon at rallies throughout the Midwest, with Marile as head of his chase crew. Retiring in 1981, they moved to Lazy Creek Ranch in Whitefish, Montana, where they lived for 19 years, hosting family and friends. Jerry is remembered for his love of boating, rafting, skiing, hiking, and trail clearing in the beautiful mountains of Montana. In 2000, they moved to Fernan Village in Coeur d’Alene, continuing the family, friends and boating traditions. Jerry’s sense of humor and special letters will be missed.

Jerry is survived by daughters Ann Unruh (Brent) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Elizabeth Kuzzy (James) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and sister, Joanne Long, of Briny Breezes, Florida. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Garrott. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Eva Unruh Gillet (Daniel), Garrott Kuzzy (Catherine Collins), Erica Unruh Sharbono (Kip), Laura Kuzzy (Rody Lageson), Martha Kuzzy and four great-grandchildren, Beckham, Ada, Finn and Lena.

At his request there were no services, but a private family celebration of his life will be held. The family would like to thank the staff at The Bridge of Garden Plaza, Post Falls, for their exemplar, caring support of Jerry and Marile. The family would also like to thank Hospice of North Idaho Schneidmiller House for their exceptional, compassionate care of them both as well as their family. Yates Funeral Home was entrusted with his final arrangements.