Jerry Staley was born on October 30,1938, in the state of New York to Miller and Dorothy Staley. He passed away peacefully in Fresno, CA, on February 8th, 2022 after battling lung cancer and other health problems. His wife Janeth and daughter Denise provided excellent care for him at home for months before his passing.
Jerry, his parents and sister Deborah moved to California in the early 1940’s. After a brief stay in the Bay area, they settled in Clarksburg and then West Sacramento. His love for hunting started early, as he and his dad would hunt pheasants and doves just outside of their neighborhood in the fields near the Sacramento River. Duck hunting, though, was by far his favorite pastime and his dogs were loyal companions. He and his Dad hunted the Wildlife Refuges north of Sacramento as often as possible. When his sons were old enough, he taught them how to hunt in those same marshes, and then later in the refuges and lakes around Fresno. His daughters developed a love for nature, science, and creating projects with their hands thanks to his lessons and stories.
Jerry married Cleo Toohey in 1959 in West Sacramento. They had four children who went to catholic schools and had a great childhood thanks to their parents. They took many vacations together and loved playing in their backyard under the giant oak trees.
After moving to Fresno, Jerry met Janeth (Spangenberg)Temps, who had two wonderful children, and they married in 1986. Jan and Jerry loved to travel, and Jerry would make detailed schedules for their trips. He often chose to stay in Bed-and-Breakfasts, especially those with Timber frame construction or other interesting architecture. He loved many types of woodworking, and had a fully equipped shop. He built furniture, particularly a very large dining table which will stay in the family, and two duck hunting boats, to name just a few projects. He shared his love of building things with anyone interested or willing to learn.
His career spanned 40 years with the California Department of Fish and Game. He was fortunate enough to have a job that involved his love for nature, and his duties often included working outdoors at streams and lakes. He started as a Fisheries Biologist in Sacramento and retired as a Fisheries Management Supervisor of Fresno.
Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Deborah, and sadly, his son Tim, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 29. He is survived by his wife Janeth, his first wife Cleo, his daughters Bernadette and Denise, his sons Boyd(Marie), Elden(Lisa), and Eric(Kris), 13 grandchildren, and 5 Great grandchildren, Jerry was loved dearly, appreciated, and will be deeply missed by all including their Chocolate Labs Nikki and Rudy.
